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: Togetherness Edition

December 26th, 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!

We hope all Jayhawks are enjoying a very merry holiday season with their families and friends!

A portrait of a group of KU students, 1912-1913
A group of KU students, 1912-1913. Note the KU pillows on their laps. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 71/0 1912/1913: Student Activities (Photos). Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: Holiday Lights Edition, Part II

December 19th, 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 Strong Hall with holiday lights, 1952
Strong Hall with holiday lights, 1952. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 0/22/87 1952 Prints: Campus: Buildings: Strong Hall (Photos). Click image to enlarge.

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: Hit the Books Edition

December 12th, 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!

Good luck to KU students as they wrap up the Fall 2019 semester today and take final exams next week!

Photograph of KU students working in the Undergraduate Reading Room at Watson Library, 1962
KU students working in the Undergraduate Reading Room at Watson Library, 1962. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 32/0 1962 Prints: University of Kansas Libraries (Photos). Click image to enlarge.

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Wayback Wednesday: Thanksgiving Touchdown Edition

November 27th, 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 touchdown during a football game against the University of Missouri, 1910
KU players scoring a touchdown during the annual Thanksgiving football game against the University of Missouri, November 24, 1910. At the time, a touchdown was five points. The game ended in a 5-5 tie, and KU ended the season with a record of 6-1-1. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 66/14 1910 Prints: Athletic Department: Football (Photos). Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).
Cover of the KU football souvenir program, November 24, 1910
The cover of the KU football souvenir program for the game against Missouri, November 24, 1910. Call Number: RG 66/14/1. Click image to enlarge.

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: Women’s Soccer Edition, Part II

November 21st, 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!

Good luck to the KU women’s soccer team! Tomorrow they play Xavier in the second round of the NCAA championship.

Photograph of two players fighting for the ball during a KU women's soccer game, 1995
Two players fight for the ball during a KU women’s soccer game, 1995. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 66/20/20 1995 Prints: Athletic Department: Women’s Soccer (Photos). Click on image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services