Mission, Vision, and Values

The Special Collections and Archives Division connects people with collections of physical and digital materials in support of a wide range of teaching, research, and learning. Through acquisition, stewardship, and community engagement, the Division joins the rest of the Libraries to support the core missions of the University. 

Our Mission

University Archives has the mandate to collect, preserve, and make accessible to the public historical records created or received in connection with the transaction of University and University System business. Similarly, University Archives solicits personal papers, manuscripts, and organizational records that pertain to and enrich the historical understanding of the University and the University System. 

Special Collections provides relevant and diverse perspectives by acquiring, preserving, and making accessible rare, fragile, and culturally significant materials for use in research, instruction, and outreach.  The department serves University of Missouri faculty, students, and staff, as well as members of the general public across a wide range of disciplines, from the sciences to the humanities. 

Our Vision

We envision a future in which Special Collections and Archives collections and staff foster, reflect and inform an inclusive, diverse, and engaged community, locally and beyond. 

Our Values 

Distinctive Collections 

We value the collections for their power to motivate learning, inform scholarship, change lives, and inspire wonder. We are dedicated to the long-term stewardship of the resources entrusted to our care. 

User Oriented 

We put users at the center of everything we do, serving all fairly, respectfully and without judgment. We value collaborations to develop collections and services that meet user needs. 

Commitment to Our Division 

We value and develop the expertise, knowledge, and diverse experiences of the members of our division, and foster a positive work environment, advocating for the resources needed to perform our best work.  

Commitment to the University of Missouri 

We value our affiliation with MU, the largest public research university in Missouri. We value our colleagues in the University community and our unique roles in supporting the University’s missions.