Library Collection

Collection

Identifier: UA-RG-11

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Library Collection has records pertinent to the administrative history of the academic library of the University of North Carolina Wilmington since the school's founding. There are two series in this collection.

Series 01, Wilmington College, has materials from 1947-1969. Included are accession books, annual reports, committee records, circulation statistical reports, gift records, newsletters, self-study reports, architectural blueprints, and photographs. The handwritten accession and circulation books are unique pieces in this collection.

Series 02, University of North Carolina Wilmington has information starting in 1969. Administrative Records pertain to library management, planning, and special events. Contents include annual reports, budget, committees, correspondence, gift records, strategic plans, promotional posters, photographs and other visual files. Departmental Records pertain to departmental services. Library departments in this collection are Library User Experience (Library Circulation, Facility Management, Space Planning); Collection Management and Technical Services (Collection Development, Acquisitions, Cataloging, Interlibrary Loan, and Serials); Research and Instructional Services; Systems; and the Center for Southeast North Carolina Archives and History (Government Resources, Special Collections, and University Archives).

Dates

1947-2019

Creator

William Madison Randall Library (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

There are no access restrictions.

Historical Note

Wilmington College began as an evening program for post-secondary students based in high school buildings. During the 1950s, Wilmington College used the Isaac Bear Building, a former elementary school on 13th and Market Streets, for administrative offices, classrooms, labs, and a library. In 1961, the college got its own campus on Highway 132, and the library went into the Administrative Building (Alderman Hall).

In 1965, the North Carolina General Assembly approved funding for a new library building. This expansion was needed to meet the requirements for a four-year college. Named for the college's third president, William Madison Randall, it opened in 1969.

In 1987, the library completed an addition toward the center of campus, increasing its size from 70,000 to 93,000 square feet. With the new construction came an integrated library system, making the card catalog obsolete. Over 300,000 volumes were moved for this project.

In 2010, Randall Library and the university's Technology Assistance Center established the Learning Commons, an enlarged footprint of learning spaces, technologies, and tools designed to support student success.

Extent

15.25 Linear Feet (13 boxes)

Language

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

The collection in arranged in two series: Series 01, Wilmington College, and Series 02, University of North Carolina, Wilmington. Series 01 is arranged alphabetically by topic and then chronologically. Series 02 is subdivided into Administrative Records and Departmental Records. Administration Records are arranged alphabetically by topic, and then chronologically. Broad topics are Annual Reports, Budget, Committees, Correspondence, Gifts, and Miscellaneous Administrative Topics. Departmental Records are arranged by department name, next alphabetically and last chronologically. Visual files and photographs are filed at the end of each series.