The Saint Peter’s University Archive is responsible for collecting and preserving materials of historical, legal, fiscal, and/or administrative value related to the history of Saint Peter’s and members of its community. The archive collects materials of widely different formats, including administrative records, correspondence, photographs, university and student publications, ephemera, artworks, audiovisual materials, digital files, etc. The archive additionally collects special collection materials with a focus on the history of Jersey City. To inquire about potential donations, please contact the archives@saintpeters.edu to further discuss the collecting policies. Donation decisions are at the final discretion of the University Archivist.
Most university archive and special collection materials are available for research use. To identify items of interest, please search our holdings online (finding aids will be available soon). For further assistance or inquiries pertaining to the contents of collections, contact the archives@saintpeters.edu.
The Guarini Center is open to all researchers by appointment only. Please contact Kate Mitchell, Archivist, at archives@saintpeters.edu to schedule an appointment or to arrange a class visit.
For all visitors to the archive, we ask you follow the below guidelines to protect the materials and help us continue to preserve them for future generations.
General Rules:
Visitors must sign in before using materials.
Only objects necessary for research may be used alongside archival materials (i.e. laptops, notebooks, pencils, etc.). Pens are not permitted.
Place coats, bags, laptop cases, umbrellas, etc. in the coatroom (secure location in the Guarini Center in plain sight of visitors).
No food or drink will be allowed inside the Guarini Center. Covered water bottle may be stored in the coatroom, but are not to be opened in the proximity of archival materials.
Materials are not permitted to leave the reading room.
Briefcases and backpacks may be subject to inspection upon leaving the University Archives.
Personal scanners are prohibited.
Use and Handling:
A staff member or student worker must be present when the researcher is using archival materials.
Researchers may only work with one box on the table at a time, leaving other requested boxes on the provided cart. Only one folder may be inspected at a time.
Items are to be kept in order.
Patrons must wash hands before touching materials.
Use two hands when handling materials and folders.
Gloves must be used when handling photos.
Do not write, trace, rub, or erase print on archival documents. No folding, ripping, cutting, or altering records in any way.
Photos and Digitization:
Photos are allowed. Patrons may use their phone or digital cameras (without flash) to take pictures of unrestricted materials.
Photocopying can be done in library under the supervision of a staff member. Photocopying machines are available on the first floor, and there is a fee of $0.10 per copy. Restrictions may apply in relation to copyright laws, fragile documents and/or protection of personal information (if the material is sensitive in nature).
Publication and Bibliographic Citation:
Approval from the University Archivist (and/or author and/or publisher where applicable) is needed before an individual may publish or refer to materials from the holdings of the University Archives. Those seeking permission to reprint will assume all responsibilities associated with privacy and copyright laws. Saint Peter’s University is not responsible for any adverse charges arising out of potential conflict with this arrangement. When anything from the University Archives is used in a work of this nature, the University Archives and the item in use must be cited in the footnote/endnote of the author’s finished text.
The University Archives accepts materials of archival/permanent value relating to the history and development of the University and individuals associated with it. Offices and Departments must request transfer of archival/permanent materials to the University Archives after complying with the Records Retention Schedule (Section IV [26] of the Saint Peter’s University Employee Handbook, revised and adopted July 24, 2014). Records of temporary (disposable) value are non-archival and must be segregated from permanent records prior to transfer. Materials proposed for transfer not in compliance with the Record Retention Schedule will not be reviewed. The University Archives no longer accepts materials transferred in oversized (“bankers”) boxes (10″h x 15″ w x 24″ l), as these containers are too heavy to transport to the upper shelves of the units. Materials may not be transferred to the University Archives without prior approval of the University Archivist.
Questions relating to this policy should be directed to Kate Mitchell, Archivist (kmitchell3@saintpeters.edu).
Records restrictive in nature normally remain closed for a period of 20 years from the date of their creation. Records which span several years are closed for twenty years from the most recent date of the files. Exceptions: Board of Trustees minutes and records, 35 years; student and employee records are generally not made available during the student or employee’s lifetime without his or her written consent. The University may restrict access to other University records for more than 20 years if the office of origin, the University Archivist, or the President deems it appropriate to do so. Conversely, the University may allow access to certain University records closed for less than 20 years if the office of origin or the President deems it appropriate to do so.