Welcome to the Kenneth Spencer Research Library blog! As the special collections and archives library at the University of Kansas, Spencer is home to remarkable and diverse collections of rare and unique items. Explore the blog to learn about the work we do and the materials we collect.
Each week we’ll be posting a photograph from University Archives that shows a scene from KU’s past. We’ve also scanned more than 34,800 images from KU’s University Archives and made them available online; be sure to check them out!
Next Monday marks the anniversary of James Naismith‘s first faculty appointment at the University of Kansas. The minutes of the Board of Regents meeting that took place on June 7, 1898, include this passage: “Upon recommendation of the committee on Instruction James Naismith M.D. was appointed to the chair of Associate Professor of Physical Culture and Chapel Director.” This appointment came six years after Naismith drafted the first official rules of basketball. The men’s basketball program officially began following Naismith’s arrival in 1898, and he became the team’s first coach.
The section of the Board of Regents meeting dealing with James Naismith‘s appointment, June 7, 1898. University Archives. Call Number: RG 1/2 1889-1907: Kansas Board of Regents: Minutes. Click image to enlarge.
The full page of minutes from the Kansas Board of Regents meeting, June 7, 1898. University Archives. Call Number: RG 1/2 1889-1907: Kansas Board of Regents: Minutes. Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).
Each week we’ll be posting a photograph from University Archives that shows a scene from KU’s past. We’ve also scanned more than 34,800 images from KU’s University Archives and made them available online; be sure to check them out!
KU basketball fans in the stands holding a sign, 1985-1986. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 71/66/13 1985/1986 Negatives: Student Activities: Sports: Basketball (Photos). Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).
Each week we’ll be posting a photograph from University Archives that shows a scene from KU’s past. We’ve also scanned more than 34,800 images from KU’s University Archives and made them available online; be sure to check them out!
We’re ready to cheer on the Jayhawks in this year’s NCAA men’s basketball tournament!
KU cheerleaders clap and cheer at a men’s basketball game against Kansas State University, 1958-1959. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 66/13 1958/1959 Games: Kansas State University: Athletic Department: Basketball (Photos). Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).
Each week we’ll be posting a photograph from University Archives that shows a scene from KU’s past. We’ve also scanned more than 34,800 images from KU’s University Archives and made them available online; be sure to check them out!
We’re excited to watch the Jayhawks in this year’s Big 12 Tournament – starting with their game against Oklahoma tonight! Rock Chalk!
A KU men’s basketball game against the University of Oklahoma Sooners at Allen Fieldhouse, 1970-1971. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 66/13 1970/1971 Games: University of Oklahoma: Athletic Department: Basketball (Photos). Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).
Each week we’ll be posting a photograph from University Archives that shows a scene from KU’s past. We’ve also scanned more than 34,800 images from KU’s University Archives and made them available online; be sure to check them out!
Members of the KU men’s basketball team during a game at Allen Fieldhouse, 1969-1970. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 66/13 1969/1970 Games: Athletic Department: Basketball (Photos). Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).
