The Archives and Special Collections, a department within the Mark O. Hatfield Library, is designated by the Board of Trustees and University President as the official and appropriate repository for both institutional records and primary source materials of historical, cultural, administrative, legal and/or fiscal value. All records created or used in the course of university business, regardless of format, are considered institutional records and, therefore, are the property of the University. Compiling a complete and accurate documentary record of the evolution of the institution, contributing to the larger community, and fostering scholarship are natural outcomes of collecting these materials.
The University Archivist identifies and collects documentary evidence to fulfill the department’s mission. When appraising institutional records the University Archivist has the authority to survey all records, including those considered confidential and, in accordance with current professional standards, make recommendations regarding either their transfer to the department of Archives and Special Collections or their disposition. The University Archivist is responsible for preserving the collections according to archival guidelines and providing access to staff, faculty, students, and the community. Willamette offices and staff are encouraged to work collaboratively with the department of Archives and Special Collections to identify records of enduring value to ensure their preservation.