The University of Kansas

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: Rock Chalk Revue Edition

February 27th, 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!

We’re excited about the 71st annual Rock Chalk Revue this weekend! Who will be attending one of the shows?

Photograph of a chorus line in the Rock Chalk Revue, 1977
A chorus line in the Rock Chalk Revue, 1977. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 71/4 1977 Prints: Student Activities: Rock Chalk Revue (Photos). Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: DJ Wilt Chamberlain Edition

February 13th, 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 World Radio Day, Jayhawks!

Photograph of Wilt Chamberlain looking at vinyl records in a radio studio, 1955-1958
KU basketball player Wilt Chamberlain looks at vinyl records in a radio studio, 1955-1958. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 66/13 Chamberlain, Wilt: Athletic Department: Basketball: Players (Photos). Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

According to the article “Center of Attention” on the KU History website, Chamberlain “had his own thirty-minute weekly radio show on student station KUOK” during his time at the University of Kansas. “‘Flip’er with Dipper’ featured current hit records and Chamberlain’s banter, as well as occasional guest appearances by his fellow Jayhawks.”

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: Springtime Flowers Edition

February 6th, 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!

Who’s ready for some warmer, springtime weather?

Photograph of flowers behind Old Green (now Lippincott) Hall, 1940s
Flowers behind Old Green (now Lippincott) Hall, 1940s. Dyche Hall is visible in the background. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 0/24/1 Flowers 1940s Prints: Campus: Areas and Objects (Photos). Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: Basketball Strategy Edition

January 30th, 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 Phog Allen drawing up a play on the blackboard while members of the basketball team look on, 1930s
Phog Allen draws up a play on the blackboard while members of the basketball team look on, 1930s. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 66/22 Forrest C. Allen 1930s Negatives: Athletic Department: Coaches and Staff (Photos). Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: Winter Wonderland Edition

January 23rd, 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 Lippincott Hall in snow, 1940
Lippincott (Old Green) Hall and Spooner Hall in snow, 1940. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 0/24/1 Snow 1940 Prints: Campus: Areas and Objects (Photos). Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services