The University of Lethbridge Archives
Michael Perry, University Archivist
The University Archives was established by the Board of Governors on December 11, 1966 under the temporary guidance and direction of the History Department. A year later, Donald E. Wick was named Archivist by the University President. A formal Archives Policy was announced by the President in July 1975, although no resources were allocated. It was not until the early 1980s that the University Archives was given funds to hire an Archivist and an Assistant Archivist; before that the Archives was run on an ad hoc basis with volunteers. Throughout the 1970s and until 1984 the University Archives reported to the University President. The Archives began reporting to the University Librarian in 1984, a temporary arrangement that remains in effect today. Due to budget constraints, the University Archives was closed in June 1987 and remained closed until July 1990 when it was re-opened by Winstan Jones. Jones remained University Archivist until his retirement in 2000. Michael Perry took over in a part-time capacity and continues to act as University Archivist with no other assistance other than that of the records manager in his absence.
The University Archives is responsible for selecting, preserving and making available for reference the University's non-current official records that document the functions of teaching, research, and public service. In addition, it acts as the custodian of the University's official memory of its achievements and activities, including photographic images, audio-visual materials, building plans, personal papers and other non-official resources. It promotes knowledge and understanding of the University's origin, aims, programs and goals.
Located in the University Library on the 11th level, the Archives are in a restricted access area together with Record Services and the Library's Special Collections. The Archivist and staff in Record Services work closely with the academic and non-academic departments to ensure the normalization of transfers to our respective areas of specialization. Currently, the Archives are open to the public on Wednesdays and Fridays, and by appointment.
There are currently 40 fonds in the collection adding up to over 110 linear metres of textual records. In addition, there are over 20,000 images, 300 audio-visual materials, all official university publications and the personal papers of former Presidents and Chancellors of the University. The Archives is also home to many artifacts and historical items that are not held elsewhere on campus.
Currently, the Archives is experiencing revitalization in activity and is engaged in numerous projects. The most exciting is a partnership recently established with the Department of History. Besides introducing upper level history classes to archival principles and practices and university archives in particular, selected 4th year students complete either applied studies or independent studies courses with the archivist. One or two students each semester are chosen in consultation with history professors on academic merit, professorial referral and interest in archival work. They work approximately 120 hours over the semester on a variety of projects in the Archives, including creating basic online finding aids, reading selected articles on archival principles and writing a paper on the experience. The arrangement has been very successful and has garnered much needed campus-wide publicity for the Archives, the students, and the Department of History.
Another recent development is a monthly column entitled "From the Archives" which appears in the University's official paper, "The Legend". The column usually contains a photograph with accompanying text on a topic such as a year on campus, a piece of sculpture, or an event. The column is well received and has provided the Archives with much needed attention. Promote! Promote! Promote!
Michael Perry has been the University Archivist at the University of Lethbridge Archives for five years. He has a BA in Political Science/History from the UofC, a Master of Library and Information Studies from the UofL, and will complete a Master of Education this fall at the UofL. When asked about his job, he said, "I like it all!", but regrets the "lack of time to do everything well!"