The University of Kansas

Inside Spencer: The KSRL Blog

Books on a shelf

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: Chancellor Budig Edition

September 10th, 2020

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 Gene Budig, who passed away on Tuesday.

Photograph of Chancellor Gene Budig with the KU football team, 1980s
Chancellor Gene Budig with the KU football team, 1980s. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 2/17 1980s Prints: Chancellors: Gene Budig (Photos). Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: Student Hangout Edition

November 7th, 2019

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 students in the cafeteria at the Memorial Union, 1956-1957
KU students in the cafeteria at the Memorial Union, 1956-1957. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 55/3 1956/1957 Prints: Memorial Corporation: Memorial Union (Photos). Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: “Enrollment Bullpen” Edition

October 17th, 2019

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 students currently enrolling in spring classes can be glad that the process no longer involves the kinds of scenes shown in this week’s photographs.

Photograph of the "enrollment bullpen," 1950s
The “enrollment bullpen,” a large board showing the availability of classes, 1950s. This photo was taken in the Kansas Union Ballroom. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 14/0 1950s: Office of Admissions/University Registrar (Photos). Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).
Photograph of someone updating the "enrollment bullpen," 1955
The “enrollment bullpen” from a different angle, being updated, 1955. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 14/0 1955: Office of Admissions/University Registrar (Photos). Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: Football Practice Edition

August 8th, 2019

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 University of Kansas football practice, 1930s
KU football practice, 1930s. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 66/14 1930s: Athletic Department: Football (Photos). Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

This photo was taken approximately where the football team’s current outdoor practice field stands. Mississippi Street is visible on the left. In the background, from left to right, are the Kansas Union, Dyche Hall, and Green (now Lippincott) Hall.

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: Batter Up Edition

April 25th, 2019

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 baseball game, 1950s

A KU baseball game, 1950s. The back of the Union (left) and Dyche Hall (right)
are visible in the background. The photo appears to have been taken in the vicinity
of where the Spencer Museum of Art now stands. University Archives Photos.
Call Number: RG 66/12 1950s Prints: Athletic Department: Baseball (Photos).
Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services