Transferring records to the University Archives

Ensuring the appropriate preservation and disposition of official University records is a shared responsibility. We’re here to help!

This page explains how to transfer official records. Looking for information on how to donate your personal materials instead?

Learn more about donating

What we do

Special Collections and University Archives provides professional guidance and expertise in assuming custody of historical records no longer needed in University offices, and in providing reference services and access to users. 

When you notify us that you have records, we will discuss with you the type and quantity of records to be transferred. Arrangements can often be made via phone or email, or it may be necessary for the archivist to visit your office to review the records.

What your office does

University offices that create and maintain records are responsible for their preservation and security during their retention period, determining when they are no longer needed on-site, and providing essential information on their contents and uses to support appraisal and access.

Please follow the steps below if you believe you have records of permanent historical value to transfer to the University Archives.

Step 1

Review the University Retention Schedule and the NSHE Records Retention Schedule to determine how the records should be handled. Only some records should come to University archives. Others must be maintained by your office.

Step 3

If we agree to accept the records, prepare them as follows:

Physical materials

  • Request archival records boxes from the archives.
  • Pack the records and their original file folders into the boxes in the same order in which they were maintained in your office. It is important to transfer the file folders to the Archives with the records. Both legal and letter size files can be packed in the same type of record-storage box. When packing records into boxes leave one to two inches of space in each box so that files may be removed and refiled more easily.
  • In order to provide for a close accounting and to retain the proper order of a multi-box transfer it is important to label each box, in pencil, with the office name and the box number (i.e. ENGLISH DEPARTMENT, Box 1 of 5, Box 2 of 5, etc).
  • Provide a complete inventory of the contents of each box. You may email this and/or can include a print-out in each box.
  • Only after all preparations have been completed for transferring the records, should you fill out a Facilities Services Department work order form for pick-up and delivery of the records to the Archives. Notify the Archives that the material has been sent.
  • Ensure you complete the records transfer form that will be supplied to you by the Community and University Archivist. This form is required for all transfer of University records to the Archives.

Digital materials

Instructions will be supplied to you by the Community and University Archivist. Be prepared to provide an overview or detailed inventory of the materials you will be transferring.

More information on types of University Archives Materials