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Inside Spencer: The KSRL Blog

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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.

Throwback Thursday: “Welcome, James Naismith” Edition

June 3rd, 2021

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.

Photograph of the Kansas Board of Regents meeting minutes, June 7, 1898
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.
Photograph of the Kansas Board of Regents meeting minutes, June 7, 1898
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).

Caitlin Klepper
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: #1 in Our Hearts Edition

March 25th, 2021

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!

Photograph of KU basketball fans in the stands holding a sign with an image of a Jayhawk and the words "Are #1 in our" and an image of a heart, 1985-1986
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).

Caitlin Klepper
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: Tournament Edition, Part III

March 18th, 2021

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!

Photograph of KU cheerleaders clapping and cheering at a men's basketball game against Kansas State University, 1958-1959
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).

Caitlin Klepper
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: Big 12 Tournament Edition

March 11th, 2021

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!

Photograph of a KU men's basketball game against the University of Oklahoma Sooners, 1970-1971
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).

Caitlin Klepper
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: Game Day Edition

March 4th, 2021

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!

Photograph of a KU men's basketball game at Allen Fieldhouse, 1969-1970
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).

Caitlin Klepper
Head of Public Services