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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: Del Shankel Edition

July 19th, 2018

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!

This week we’re remembering former KU chancellor Del Shankel, who passed away on July 12th.

Photograph of Del Shankel with students outside Hoch Auditorium, 1973

Del Shankel, then Acting Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences,
with students outside Hoch Auditorium, 1973. Lawrence Journal-World Photo Collection,
University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG LJW 2/18 1973 Prints:
Chancellors: Del Shankel (Photos). Click image to enlarge.

Photograph of Del Shankel speaking at Commencement, 1981

Chancellor Del Shankel speaking at Commencement, 1981.
University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 2/18 1981 Prints:
Chancellors: Del Shankel (Photos). Click image to enlarge.

Photograph of Del Shankel, 1991

Del Shankel, then Executive Vice Chancellor, 1991. University Archives Photos.
Call Number: RG 2/18 1991 Prints: Chancellors: Del Shankel (Photos). Click image to enlarge.

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: Final Four Edition

March 29th, 2018

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 super excited about Saturday’s game against Villanova. Rock Chalk!

Photograph of KU basketball fans holding a sign, 1988

KU basketball fans during the NCAA tournament, 1988.
The sign reads “Hawks soar cats hit the floor KU is in the final four.”
University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 71/66/13 1988-04 Negatives:
Student Activities: Sports: Basketball (Photos).
Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

As many fans likely remember, KU defeated Kansas State in the Midwest regional final of the 1988 NCAA tournament. The Jayhawks then beat Duke in the Final Four and won the championship with a win over Oklahoma.

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: Tournament Edition, Part II

March 15th, 2018

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 NCAA sign at a KU vs. University of Houston game, 1966-1967

“NCAA – Hawkers All the Way” sign at KU’s game against the University of Houston
in the NCAA tournament, 1967. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 66/13 1966/1967
Games University of Houston: Athletic Department: Basketball (Photos).
Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: Hitch a Ride Edition

March 1st, 2018

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 Big Jay with a girl riding on his tail, 1970

Big Jay with a girl riding on his tail, 1970. University Archives Photos.
Call Number: RG 0/25 1970 Negatives: University General: Jayhawk mascot, dolls, etc. (Photos).
Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: Beat Oklahoma Edition, Part II

February 15th, 2018

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 love KU basketball! This week’s photograph is pumping us up for the last few weeks of the season, specifically KU’s game against Oklahoma on Monday. Rock Chalk!

Photograph of KU residence hall lights, 1976

KU’s Daisy Hill residence halls the night before the Homecoming game against Oklahoma, 1976.
The building at the bottom of the photo appears to be Wescoe Hall. University Archives Photos.
Call Number: RG 71/1 1976 Prints: Student Activities: Homecoming (Photos).
Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services