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: Volleyball Edition

November 30th, 2017

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’s volleyball team will begin its sixth-straight NCAA Tournament appearance tomorrow night with a first-round match against Missouri. Good luck, Jayhawks! Rock Chalk!

Photograph of KU volleyball player Julie Woodruff, 1989-1990

KU volleyball player Julie Woodruff, 1989-1990.
University Archives Photos.
Call Number: RG 66/20/32 Julie Woodruff 1989/1990 Prints:
Athletic Department: Women’s Volleyball (Photos).
Click image to enlarge.

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: Thanksgiving Relaxation Edition

November 23rd, 2017

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 Thanksgiving, Jayhawks!

We’re not really sure about the context of this week’s photo, but we think the scene it depicts will look familiar to many of you today.

Don’t forget that Spencer Research Library is closed through Sunday, November 26th, for the holiday.

Photograph of Chancellor Laurence Chalmers watching television with his family, 1970

Chancellor Laurence Chalmers watching television with his family, 1970.
University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 2/13 Family 1970s Prints:
Chancellors: E. Laurence Chalmers: Family (Photos).
Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: Phog Allen Edition, Part II

November 16th, 2017

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 birthday, Phog Allen! The legendary KU basketball coach was born on November 18, 1885.

Photograph of Phog Allen shooting a layup in Allen Fieldhouse, 1955

Phog Allen, at seventy years old, shooting a layup in the then
brand-new Allen Fieldhouse, 1955. University Archives Photos.
Call Number: RG 66/22 Forrest C. Allen 1955 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: Sweater Weather Edition

November 9th, 2017

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!

Colder temperatures mean it’s time for cozy sweaters like the fabulous one in this week’s photograph.

Photograph of a Women's Rifle Club member, 1925

Junior Nevada Talhelm of the KU Women’s Rifle Club, 1925.
University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 67/68 1925 Prints:
Student Organizations: Rifle Team and Club (Photos).
Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: Salute to James Naismith Edition

November 2nd, 2017

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 birthday, James Naismith! The basketball legend was born in Canada on November 6, 1861.

Photograph of a fencing class with James Naismith, 1926

A fencing class with James Naismith, 1926. The group appears to be standing
at a side entrance of the old Robinson Gymnasium, located where
Wescoe Hall now stands. University Archives Photos.
Call Number: RG 66/20/28 1926: Athletic Department: Women’s Fencing (Photos).
Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services