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: Skeleton Edition

October 26th, 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 Halloween!

Photograph of Lewis Lindsay Dyche teaching an anatomy class, 1890s

Professor Lewis Lindsay Dyche teaching an anatomy class, 1890s.
University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 41/ Faculty:
Dyche, Lewis Lindsay (Photos). Click image to enlarge.

Another view of this class is available online through Spencer’s digital collections. Note the skeleton on the right side of the photo, with what appears to be a tabletop easel and a cat.

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: Fall Colors Edition

October 19th, 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!

It’s starting look like autumn on Mount Oread, with leaves and colors similar to the scene in this week’s picture!

Photograph of Memorial Drive in the fall, 1960s

Memorial Drive in the fall, 1960s. University Archives Photos.
Call Number: RG 0/24/1 Memorial Drive 1960s Slides: Campus: Areas and Objects (Photos).
Click images to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: Smith Hall Edition

October 12th, 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 fiftieth anniversary Smith Hall! The building – the home of KU’s religious studies department – was dedicated on October 8, 1967.

Photograph of workers installing stained glass windows in Smith Hall, 1967

Workers installing stained glass windows in Smith Hall, 1967. University Archives Photos.
Call Number: RG 0/22/79 1967 Prints: Campus: Buildings: Smith Hall (Photos).
Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: “Hello KU Alums” Edition

October 5th, 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!

We’re excited about the Homecoming football game this Saturday! Rock Chalk!

Photograph of KU football players running through a sign at the Homecoming game, 1958

KU football players running through a sign at the Homecoming game,
November 8, 1958. The Jayhawks defeated Nebraska, 29-7. University Archives Photos.
Call Number: RG 71/1 1958 Negatives: Student Activities: Homecoming (Photos).
Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services

Throwback Thursday: Homecoming Prep Edition

September 28th, 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!

Next week is KU’s 105th Homecoming, which means that students are already busy creating signs, floats, banners, and musical performances for various events and competitions.

Photograph of KU students working on a Homecoming display, 1973

Students working on a Homecoming display, 1973.
University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 71/1 1973 Slides:
Student Activities: Homecoming (Photos).
Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).

Caitlin Donnelly
Head of Public Services