September 19, 2024

Check out the glass display cases outside the Reading Room on the lower level of the W. W. Hagerty Library for a rotating display of materials from the Drexel University Archives.

The first curated display, called From the first Drexel yearbook to Freshman Face books: A Glimpse at the University Archives’ Browsing Collections, showcases a small sample of the rich variety of materials found in the Drexel University Archives’ browsing collections.

Ranging from the 1890s to the 21st century, materials on display include pre-Lexerd yearbooks from Drexel's first decade, titles from the Drexel Periodicals Collection, and freshmen face books from the 1980s. (No, not that Facebook! Before the internet, face books were printed directories of individual’s names and photographs published by many universities to help familiarize new students with their fellow classmates.)

Drexel’s Unique Browsing Collections

At the Drexel Archives—as is the case with most archives—the unique and sometimes delicate materials in the collection require special handling and storage and may not be removed from the Reading Room. Researchers must make an appointment and request materials in advance so Archives staff can have them ready for review.

Drexel’s browsing collections, however, are unique in that—as the name implies—researchers are welcome to browse the materials on their own. Maybe you want to know more about Drexel history but aren’t sure where to start. Or perhaps you’re looking for an idea for a research project. Or maybe you’re just wondering what’s behind those big windows on the lower level of W. W. Hagerty Library. The Browsing Collections are perfect for serendipitous research or if you just want to flip through the yearbooks to get a glimpse into the past.

“Browsing collections aren't typical for archives, or at least I've never heard of one myself,” said Simon Ragovin, Archives Technician at Drexel. “Offering this type of access to our collections is a new experiment for us, and we're really excited to see how the materials get used.”

Materials in the browsing collections include:

• Periodicals, including Drexel student and alumni newsletters and magazines
• Yearbooks
• The Triangle, Drexel’s student newspaper
• Reference resources (secondary sources)
• Course catalogs
• Books authored and edited by Drexel faculty, staff, students, alumni/ae and others affiliated with the University

Like the rest of the Archives’ collections, the browsing collections are open to all members of the Drexel community and the general public.

To explore the Drexel University Archives’ browsing collections—including the materials on display in this exhibit—email archives@drexel.edu to schedule an appointment to visit the Reading Room. Drexel Archives staff will ensure someone is onsite and available to answer questions and assist with your exploration.

About the Drexel University Archives

The Drexel University Archives collects, preserves, and shares the history of Drexel University, including records from administrative offices, academic departments, student groups, and the professional and personal papers of faculty, staff, and alumni/ae, as well as records about Anthony J. Drexel and his family.

Visit the website to learn more about the Drexel University Archives.