How to Visit the University of Albuquerque Archives Albuquerque

The University of Albuquerque Archives, though often misunderstood or overlooked, serves as a vital repository of institutional memory, regional history, and academic heritage in New Mexico. Located in the heart of Albuquerque, this archive preserves original manuscripts, photographs, administrative records, student publications, faculty research, and rare materials that document the evolution of higher education in the Southwest. For researchers, alumni, historians, and curious visitors, accessing these materials offers a tangible connection to the past — not just of the university, but of the city and its cultural landscape.

However, unlike public libraries or digital databases, university archives operate under unique protocols. They are not open for casual browsing. Access requires planning, preparation, and adherence to preservation standards. Many assume these collections are available online, but the truth is that a significant portion remains analog, fragile, or restricted due to copyright, privacy, or conservation concerns. Knowing how to navigate the process — from initial inquiry to on-site visit — is essential to unlocking their value.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap for visiting the University of Albuquerque Archives. Whether you’re a graduate student researching local civil rights movements, a former student seeking yearbooks from the 1970s, or a genealogist tracing family ties to alumni, this tutorial will equip you with the knowledge to conduct your visit efficiently, respectfully, and successfully.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm the Archive’s Existence and Location

Before embarking on your journey, verify that the University of Albuquerque Archives still operates under that name. The University of Albuquerque, a private Catholic institution founded in 1920, ceased operations in 1987 after merging with the University of New Mexico (UNM). Its archival collections were transferred to UNM’s Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections, located in the Zimmerman Library on the UNM campus in Albuquerque.

Therefore, what is commonly referred to as the “University of Albuquerque Archives” is now part of UNM’s Special Collections. This is a critical distinction. Searching for “University of Albuquerque Archives” online may lead to outdated or incorrect information. Always direct your inquiries to the Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections at the University of New Mexico.

Address:

Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections

Zimmerman Library, University of New Mexico

1 University of New Mexico, MSC05 3020

Albuquerque, NM 87131

Phone: (505) 277-6451

Email: cswr@unm.edu

Step 2: Research Your Topic and Identify Relevant Collections

Archives are not organized like public libraries. Materials are not shelved by subject or author in open stacks. Instead, they are grouped into “collections” — often donated by individuals, departments, or organizations — and cataloged using detailed finding aids.

Begin your research by visiting the UNM Libraries’ online catalog: https://library.unm.edu. Use the search bar to enter keywords such as “University of Albuquerque,” “UA records,” or “UA archives.” Filter results to “Archival Materials” or “Special Collections.”

Key collections to explore include:

• University of Albuquerque Records (MSS 214) — Administrative files, board minutes, financial records, and correspondence from 1920–1987.
• University of Albuquerque Student Publications (MSS 317) — Yearbooks, student newspapers (e.g., *The University of Albuquerque News*), and literary magazines.
• University of Albuquerque Photograph Collection (PA 123) — Campus life, events, faculty portraits, and construction projects.
• Personal Papers of UA Faculty and Administrators — Including materials from President Joseph A. O’Hare, S.J., and other key figures.

Review each collection’s finding aid. These documents describe the scope, dates, arrangement, and contents of each box and folder. Many include digitized images or indexed lists. Save or print the collection number and box/folder references you’re interested in — you’ll need them when you arrive.

Step 3: Contact the Archive in Advance

Unlike public libraries, archives do not operate on a walk-in basis for research. All visitors must schedule an appointment. This ensures that staff can prepare materials, manage space, and provide adequate assistance.

Email cswr@unm.edu at least 5–7 business days before your intended visit. Include:

• Your full name and affiliation (student, researcher, alumni, etc.)
• Date and preferred time of visit
• Collection numbers and box/folder requests (e.g., MSS 214, Box 5, Folder 12)
• Purpose of research (e.g., “Master’s thesis on Catholic higher education in the Southwest”)
• Any accessibility needs

Response time is typically 1–3 business days. If you don’t hear back, follow up with a phone call. Do not assume your request was received unless confirmed.

Step 4: Prepare for Your Visit

Once your appointment is confirmed, prepare thoroughly:

• Bring a valid photo ID. This is required for registration and access to the reading room.
• Do not bring bags. All personal belongings — backpacks, purses, coats — must be stored in lockers provided at the entrance. Only pencils, notebooks, laptops, and cameras (without flash) are permitted in the reading room.
• Do not bring food, drinks, or pens. Ink can stain fragile documents. Pencils are the only writing tools allowed.
• Bring a charger. Power outlets are limited; plan ahead.
• Download digital copies in advance. If you know you’ll need photographs or scans, request them ahead of time. Staff can provide digital reproductions for a nominal fee (typically $0.25 per page).

Consider bringing a tablet or laptop with a PDF reader. Many finding aids and collection guides are available digitally and can be referenced on-site.

Step 5: Arrive and Register

Arrive 10–15 minutes before your scheduled time. Enter Zimmerman Library through the main entrance on the west side of the building. Follow signs to the Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections on the 2nd floor.

At the front desk, present your photo ID. You’ll be asked to complete a brief registration form. Staff will verify your appointment and collection requests. You’ll receive a reader’s card and be escorted to the reading room.

Staff will retrieve your requested materials from secure storage. This process may take 15–30 minutes. Be patient — materials are handled with extreme care.

Step 6: Handle Materials with Care

Archival materials are irreplaceable. Follow these rules strictly:

• Use book cradles or foam supports for bound volumes.
• Never force open spines or remove staples or paper clips — even if they appear loose.
• Turn pages gently, one at a time, using clean hands or cotton gloves if provided.
• Do not lean on materials or place anything on top of them.
• If a document is damaged or fragile, notify staff immediately. Do not attempt to repair it.
• Do not take photographs of materials without permission. Some collections have copyright or donor restrictions.

Staff are available to assist with handling, translation of handwritten documents, or identifying obscure references. Don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Step 7: Take Notes and Request Copies

Take detailed notes. Include collection numbers, box/folder identifiers, and page numbers. This is crucial for citations and future reference.

If you need digital copies of documents, request them during your visit. Staff can scan materials using archival-grade equipment. Fees vary by volume and format. Payment is typically by credit card or check. Allow 3–5 business days for delivery if requested remotely.

Always cite your sources properly. Example format:

University of Albuquerque Records, MSS 214, Box 5, Folder 12. Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections, University of New Mexico Libraries.

Step 8: Return Materials and Check Out

When your visit ends, staff will collect all materials. Do not leave anything on tables or in drawers. You will be asked to confirm that all items have been returned. Failure to do so may result in restricted future access.

Thank the staff. Their expertise and dedication make your research possible.

Step 9: Follow Up and Preserve Your Research

After your visit, organize your notes and digital files. Create a backup. Archive your citations in a reference manager like Zotero or EndNote.

If your research leads to a publication, thesis, or public presentation, consider notifying the archive. Many institutions appreciate being acknowledged in scholarly work. A simple citation or note of gratitude helps sustain their mission.

Best Practices

Plan Ahead — Don’t Rush

Archival research is not a one-day project. Materials may be stored off-site, require conservation review, or be part of an active processing project. Allow at least two weeks between your initial inquiry and your visit. Some collections may take longer to retrieve.

Start Broad, Then Narrow

Begin with general keywords (“University of Albuquerque,” “Catholic education in New Mexico”) to identify relevant collections. Then use the finding aids to drill down to specific topics — student protests, curriculum changes, faculty hiring practices. This prevents wasted time and ensures you don’t miss key materials.

Use Multiple Sources

Don’t rely solely on the University of Albuquerque collections. Cross-reference with:

• UNM’s Oral History Project (interviews with former UA students and faculty)
• New Mexico Historical Society archives
• Archives of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe (for religious affiliation records)
• Local newspapers via the Albuquerque Journal Digital Archive

These sources often contain context, photographs, and commentary not found in official university records.

Respect Privacy and Restrictions

Some materials are restricted due to FERPA (student records), HIPAA (health information), or donor agreements. These may include personnel files, financial aid records, or personal correspondence. Staff will inform you of restrictions. Do not attempt to access restricted materials — it violates ethical and legal standards.

Document Your Process

Keep a research journal. Note what you found, what you didn’t find, and why. This helps you track progress and identify gaps. It also aids future researchers who may follow your trail.

Be Patient with Technology

Many archival records are handwritten, typed on outdated typewriters, or printed on acidic paper. Deciphering them requires time and attention. Use magnifiers if provided. Don’t assume you’ll understand everything on the first pass.

Consider the Ethical Dimension

Archives are not neutral. They reflect power structures, biases, and gaps in documentation. Women, minorities, and non-academic staff may be underrepresented. Ask yourself: Whose voices are missing? What stories are being preserved — and whose are being erased?

Build Relationships

Archivists are invaluable allies. Treat them as research partners. Share your findings. Ask for recommendations. They often know about unprocessed collections or hidden materials not listed in finding aids.

Tools and Resources

Online Catalogs and Databases

• UNM Libraries Search — https://library.unm.edu — Primary portal for locating collections.
• ArchivesSpace — https://archivesspace.unm.edu — Hosts digitized finding aids for most collections.
• Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) — https://dp.la — Aggregates digitized items from archives nationwide, including some UA materials.
• New Mexico Digital Collections — https://nmhistoric.org — Statewide digital archive with related regional materials.

Research Tools

• Zotero — Free citation manager with plugins for archival sources.
• Transkribus — AI-powered handwriting recognition tool for deciphering old documents (free for academic use).
• Adobe Scan — Mobile app to digitize documents on-site (if permitted).
• Google Scholar — Search for scholarly articles that cite UA archives — often reveals hidden references.

Books and Guides

• Archives: Principles and Practices by Laura Millar — Foundational text on archival theory and access.
• Researching in Archives: A Practical Guide by Richard J. Cox — Step-by-step advice for novice researchers.
• The History of the University of Albuquerque by John R. Miller — Published by UNM Press, this is the most comprehensive secondary source on the institution.

Digitized Collections (Partial List)

Some materials have been digitized and are freely accessible:

• University of Albuquerque Yearbooks — Available via UNM Digital Repository: https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/collection/ua_yearbooks
• UA Photograph Collection — https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/collection/ua_photos
• Student Newspapers (1950–1980) — https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/collection/ua_news

Always check the rights statement. Some images are available for educational use only. Commercial use requires written permission.

Real Examples

Example 1: Graduate Student Researching Religious Education

Maria, a Ph.D. candidate in Religious Studies at Arizona State University, was studying the influence of Jesuit education on minority communities in 1960s New Mexico. She knew the University of Albuquerque was a Jesuit institution but had no idea where to find records.

She began by searching UNM’s ArchivesSpace and found MSS 214: University of Albuquerque Records. Within Box 12, Folder 3, she discovered internal memos from President O’Hare discussing outreach to Hispanic students. She also located a 1964 curriculum proposal titled “Integrating Chicano Studies into the Liberal Arts.”

Maria requested scans of three documents. She cited them in her dissertation, which was later published as a chapter in Religion and Identity in the Southwest. She sent a copy to the Center for Southwest Research, which now displays a digital exhibit based on her findings.

Example 2: Alumnus Seeking a Lost Yearbook

Robert, a retired engineer living in Texas, graduated from UA in 1972. He wanted a copy of his yearbook to give his grandchildren. He searched eBay and Amazon — no luck. He contacted UNM’s Special Collections and was told the yearbook collection was digitized.

He visited the archive on a weekend (with prior appointment), viewed the 1972 *Pegasus* yearbook on a digital terminal, and printed a full-color copy for $15. He also found a photo of himself at the annual spring dance — a moment he hadn’t thought about in 50 years.

Example 3: Genealogist Tracing a Family Line

Janice, a genealogist from California, was researching her grandfather, who taught chemistry at UA from 1948 to 1960. She found his name in a faculty directory in MSS 214, Box 7, Folder 1. She requested his personnel file — which included his teaching evaluations, salary history, and a handwritten note from a student who later became a Nobel laureate.

She also discovered that he had served on the committee that designed the university’s first science building. She used this information to write a family history book, which she donated to the archive as a supplementary collection.

Example 4: Local Historian Documenting Campus Architecture

David, a volunteer with the Albuquerque Historic Preservation Society, was compiling a report on mid-century university architecture. He accessed the PA 123 Photograph Collection and found 37 images of the UA campus from 1955–1970. He cross-referenced them with city planning documents at the Albuquerque Public Library and identified the architect as a former UNM faculty member.

His findings led to the preservation of the original science building, now listed on the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties.

FAQs

Is the University of Albuquerque Archives still open?

The University of Albuquerque closed in 1987. Its archival collections are now housed at the Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections within the University of New Mexico’s Zimmerman Library. This is the only official location for accessing these materials.

Do I need an appointment to visit?

Yes. All research visits require a prior appointment. Walk-ins are not accommodated due to staffing, security, and preservation protocols.

Can I access materials online?

Some materials have been digitized and are available through the UNM Digital Repository. However, the majority of the collection — including correspondence, administrative files, and personal papers — must be viewed in person.

Are there fees for using the archive?

There is no fee to access materials or use the reading room. However, fees apply for digital reproductions: $0.25 per page for standard scans, $1.00 per high-resolution image. Some special requests may incur additional costs.

Can I bring a camera?

Yes, but only if the materials are not under copyright or donor restriction. Flash photography is strictly prohibited. Always ask staff before photographing any item.

What if I can’t visit in person?

You can request digital reproductions by email. Provide detailed references (collection number, box, folder). Staff will assess feasibility and provide a quote. Turnaround time is typically 3–7 business days.

Are there restrictions on publishing materials from the archive?

Yes. Some materials are protected by copyright, donor agreements, or privacy laws. Always check the rights statement for each item. For publication, you may need to obtain written permission from the archive and/or the copyright holder.

Can I donate materials related to the University of Albuquerque?

Yes. The Center for Southwest Research actively seeks donations of UA-related materials — photographs, letters, diplomas, student work, oral histories. Contact cswr@unm.edu to discuss potential donations. All gifts are evaluated for historical significance and preservation needs.

Are there guided tours available?

Group tours can be arranged by appointment for classes, historical societies, or community organizations. Contact the outreach coordinator at cswr-outreach@unm.edu.

What are the archive’s hours?

Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (by appointment only)

Closed Sundays and university holidays.

Conclusion

Visiting the University of Albuquerque Archives — now preserved within the Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections — is more than a logistical task. It is an act of historical recovery. These materials are not relics; they are living documents that speak to the aspirations, struggles, and innovations of a community that once thrived on the edge of the American Southwest.

By following this guide, you are not merely accessing files — you are engaging with a legacy. Whether you are uncovering the roots of educational equity, tracing family lineage, or reconstructing the visual culture of mid-century Albuquerque, your work contributes to a broader understanding of who we were, and who we might become.

Archives are not passive storage. They are active spaces of memory, where the past is not simply preserved — it is reinterpreted, questioned, and renewed. Approach your visit with curiosity, humility, and rigor. The documents you hold may be fragile, but the stories they contain are enduring.

Plan carefully. Respect the materials. Engage with the archivists. And remember: every box you open, every page you turn, is a thread in the larger tapestry of New Mexico’s academic and cultural identity.