Archives

The CU Boulder Libraries Archives, part of Rare and Distinctive Collections, hold unpublished manuscripts, original film and photographs, university and organizational records, and more. Most material centers around campus, local, or regional history. Note our Statement on Potentially Harmful Language in Archival Description.

Archival collections are non-circulating; we are happy to consult with you about accessing materials via our Reading Room (information about visiting and using our collections). We offer research guides, tours and in-person and virtual instruction.

Archives collection strengths

Atomic West
Moving Image Film
Political Collections
University History

The Atomic West collecting area contains materials regarding nuclear activity in the Western United States. This includes activism and environmental concerns surrounding Rocky Flats, testing of nuclear products, and clean-up efforts, among other nuclear-related topics.

Over 4,600 reels of moving image film are held within the Archives' diverse collections, including documentary production elements, home movies and travelogues, publicity films, educational films, research and scientific films, and filmed lectures and events.

View the moving image film inventory (PDF)

We hold collections of significant politicians from Colorado. These include the papers of former senators, representatives, and governors.

RaD holds the historical papers of the University of Colorado at Boulder and University System Administration. Included in these university holdings are the papers and records of regents, presidents, administrators and faculty, students, university offices, and university groups.

Highlights: Digital archival collections

150 images of the CU Boulder campus from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Over 25,000 historical photographs of glaciers from around the world.

Highlights the founder of the Jewish Renewal Movement.

Early nature films, as well as Cockerell's research notes on excavations at the Florissant Fossil Beds.

Our archivists

Hours, Locations and Contact Information

Location:
Rare & Distinctive Collections Reading Room 
Norlin Library M350B
184 UCB
1720 Pleasant Street
Boulder, CO 80309-0184
  rad@colorado.edu

Information for researchers & visitors

Map Collection

The Map Collection is located in the Earth Sciences & Map Library.

Map Collection: hours and more information