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PennWest Clarion / Clarion University Archives

This guide serves as an introduction to the PennWest Clarion and Clarion University Archives collections and materials

What Does the Archives Collect?

The main focus of the Archives' collections include:

  • Official non-current records and publications of enduring value emanating from university offices, departments, and organizations.
  • Papers of enduring value belonging to individual faculty created in the performance of their official duties at the University, in their research, and/or in their service to professional organizations.
  • The publications of University faculty and staff.
  • The records and publications of student organizations that adequately document to the group's activities.
  • Student theses accepted by the University in fulfillment of requirements for an advanced degree.
  • Other records or papers of significant historic value that clearly document the history of the University.
  • Memorabilia and objects / artifiacts that significantly document the University's history.

What Doesn't the Archives Collect?

The University Archives does not collect:

  • Collections of purely genealogical materials.
  • Alumni manuscripts, unless the manuscripts significantly document the history of the University.
  • Materials in such poor condition that they may actively harm other holdings, unless the Archives can arrange for the necessary steps to stabilize the materials.
  • Materials with legal restrictions.
  • Student grade records, student research papers, student class projects / assignments, student tests.
  • Materials without a clear title of ownership.
  • Materials on loan to the Archives in perpetuity.
  • Materials donated under the condition of being sealed / restricted in perpetuity.

Transferring Materials to the Archives from University Offices

The University Archives will acquire material primarily by the interdepartmental transfer of non-current records.  Regular transfers from University departments, offices, and organizations will be documented by the Archives' accession records. The archivist is able to review non-current university records for the purpose of identifying those of enduring value appropriate for transfer to the Archives. Not all inactive University records are appropriate for transfer to the Archives. Contact the PennWest Clarion archivist, Corene Glotfelty, at 814-393-1805 or cglotfelty@pennwest.edu to discuss the possibility of transferring records to the Archives.

All University offices, departments, and organizations are also encouraged to provide two copies of their publications to the Archives.

Acquiring Archival Materials

Each potential donation or transfer of records will be evaluated by the archivist to determine whether or not it fits within the Archives' scope. Opportunities to acquire materials without direct ties to PennWest Clarion or Clarion University history, or to materials not covered by our collecting policy may be referred to an appropriate repository.

Donating Materials to the Archives

Donations of materials by individuals will also be considered. The Archives will work with the University Foundation to procure such items / collections.