Most of the materials in the Radford University Archives are organized into record groups according to Radford University's organizational structure. For example, Record Group 1 contains the records of the Radford University Board of Visitors (and its predecessors) and Record Group 2 represents the records created by the presidents of the University since 1913. Within each record group, papers are organized in series. Thus, Record Group 2, Series 1 is designated for the official papers created by John Preston McConnell during his presidency and Record Group 2, Series 5 consists of documents that have been, and still are being, created by Douglas Covington, the current president of Radford. A small portion of items in the Radford University Archives consist of an individual's personal papers, that is items not created as part of their official duties. These items are referred to in archival language as a manuscript collection. In addition to Dr. McConnell's official papers, the Radford University Archives also possesses his personal papers which the Archivist has designated as Manuscript Collection 1. While these records are not strictly related to Dr. McConnell's duties as president of Radford, an inventory of these papers is included in Record Group 2, Office of the President. However, researchers should refer to the contents of Dr. McConnell's personal papers in their writings as being part of "Manuscript Collection 1, Papers of John Preston McConnell". A finding aid (or index) has been compiled for each of the collections processed to date. An archival finding aid is essentially a physical and intellectual "map" of the archives that tells users what sort of information is available and how to find it. As of January 2000, finding aids have been prepared for the records of the Radford University Board of Visitors (and its predecessors), the official and personal papers of President John Preston McConnell, and the speeches and reports of President Douglas Covington. In addition to World Wide Web-based finding aids for the records of the University's offices and officials, McConnell Library staff have prepared similar finding aids in the form of inventories for the Grapurchat student newspaper and the records of the Virginia, Iron, Coal, and Coke Company. The Grapurchat is available on microfiche in the Media Services area of McConnell Library on Level 4. For assistance with the records of the Virginia Iron Coal and Coke Company, please call 540-831-5107 or the Reference Desk at 540-831-5696. |
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Last updated: February 2, 2000