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: Team Portrait Edition

January 9th, 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!

Photograph of the KU women's basketball team, 1902-1903
The KU women’s basketball team, 1902-1903. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 66/20/13 1902/1903: Athletic Department: Women’s Basketball (Photos). Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

See Spencer’s online exhibition Women’s Athletics at KU: From Physical Education to Recognized Athletic Program for more information about the history of women’s basketball and other sports at the university.

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: Jayhawk Buffet Edition

January 2nd, 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!

Happy National Buffet Day, Jayhawks!

Photograph of the buffet at a KU event for the Orange Bowl, 1969
The buffet at a KU event during Orange Bowl festivities in Miami, Florida, January 1969. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 71/66/14 1969: Student Activities: Sports: Football (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: Holiday Vespers Edition

December 5th, 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 Holiday Vespers concert in Hoch Auditorium, 1940s
Holiday Vespers in Hoch Auditorium, 1940s. The KU a cappella choir (Donald M. Swarthout, Director) is on the stage; the KU Symphony Orchestra (Russell L. Wiley, Director) is on the floor. The 95th Annual Holiday Vespers will be held this Sunday, December 8. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 71/7 1940s Prints: Student Activities: Holiday Vespers (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