J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Library. University Archives Division

When the J. Reuben Clark Jr. Library was completed in 1961, the Brigham Young University Archives were moved into the new library. Naomi Rich, the head librarian, oversaw the first half of the library's move, and Ralph Hansen oversaw the completion of this move. The University Archives were then referred to under the name of the J. Reuben Clark Jr. Library until 1973 when the library was renamed the Harold B. Lee Library.

As part of the University Archives Division, a limited records service functioned and was directed by the University Archivist. The University Archivist and Manuscripts Librarian was Ralph W. Hansen (1961-1962). Delbert Roach (1963) worked as University Archivist when Ralph Hansen left and then Hollis J. Scott took over as University Archivist (1963-1973).

Variant names

Brigham Young University Archives

Archives

University History and Archives

Description

Established: 1961

Abolished: 1973

Location: Provo, Utah (1961-1973)

Functions

The purpose of the Archives was to preserve University records of worthy value, such as: correspondence, financial reports, annual reports, minutes of meetings, photographs, records of policy and procedure as well as anything of historical value to the University. They conducted a storage and retrieval service for University Departments who lacked the space to store material. Student records, student ward records, and material printed on campus were held in Archives. For significant material, indexes were created. Detailed outlines of the material contained in a collection were made and cataloged with descriptions of the office which created it, the contents, and subject tracing.

Separate and apart from the University records, was the Manuscript Division. This division held manuscripts of Utah pioneers, Utah congressmen, and private individuals, diaries, journals, correspondence, scrapbooks, and manuscripts not formally printed or published. Records of businesses that had gone out of business, their minutes of meetings, and their financial records were kept as well as old bank records from banks that had gone out of business, their ledgers, minutes of their meetings and other records. Additionally congressional papers of Utah congressmen were archived.

Archives served as a thesis binding agent for students. Student thesis', however, were shelved in Special Collections and the stacks, not in Archives. Archives microfilmed materials for the library, for faculty members, for patrons of other institutions, and scholars. Also, Archives conducted tape-recorded oral interviews with former BYU students, pioneers, and other individuals.

Prior to the building of the museum on campus, Archives served as a sort of museum. They held old trophies, coins, historical items like peace pipes and mementos from the Pacific islands as well as labor union records, and flags.

Assets and Administrative Structure

Archives was located in Room 112 on the first floor of the J. Reuben Clark Jr. Library in 1968. For patrons to read the materials located in the archives, the material was brought from Room 112 up to Special Collections on the 4th floor of the library because the facilities were better there. Archives had five part time students who spent about 20 hours a week each to arrange all the materials, catalog, index, and provide services. Brother Newbern Isaac Butt worked full time in Archives. Hollis J. Scott was Assistant University Archivist in 1968.

The University Archivist reported to the Director of Libraries.

Associated Units

Superior unit: J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Library (1961-1973)

Subordinate unit: J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Library. University Archives and Records Services (1962-1967)

Subordinate unit: J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Library. University Records (1967-1973)

Earlier unit: Brigham Young University. Library. Archives (1961)

Later unit: Harold B. Lee Library. University Archives (1973)

Associated Archival Materials

Faculty Biographical Files (UA 909)

Harold B. Lee Library Annual Reports (UA 1015)

Hollis Scott Oral History Interview (UA OH 16)

Ralph W. Hansen Papers (MSS 6737)

University Archives Records (UA 1068)

Sources

Faculty Biographical Files, Hollis J. Scott, 1963-1982: (Hollis J. Scott installed as University Archivist in 1963 and resigned in 1982)

Hollis Scott Oral History Interview, Nov. 12, 1968: p. 1-11, (all information not otherwise stated)

J. Reuben Clark, Jr. Library, Brigham Young University, Annual Report, 1966-1967: pg. 18-19, (division called University Archives and Manuscripts, also University History and Archives)

Ralph W. Hansen 1945-2009, 2011: (Ralph Hansen as University Archivist and Manuscripts Librarian {1961-1962}) http://library.boisestate.edu/special/findingaids/fa294.shtm

Ralph W. Hansen Papers: Interview Transcription, 25 June 2006: p. 11-12, (Naomi Rich organized first part of library move in 1961. Ralph Hansen took over second half)

History of the Harold B. Lee Library, 2012, (J. Reuben Clark Library completed in 1961, renamed HBLL in 1973) http://lib.byu.edu/services/libhistory.php

University Archives Records, Introduction, (University archivists)

University Archives Records, Fifth annual report, (J. Reuben Clark Jr. Library location)

HBLL Annual Report 1963-1964, (archived materials: financial records, meeting minutes, etc.)

Maintenance Information

Record ID: EAC-2012-00007

Creator: UPB