University Library's Ruth Lilly Special Collections and Archives (SCA) include the Manuscript Collection, University Archives, and Rare Books. The Manuscript Collection focuses on the thematic areas of Philanthropy, National Service, and local organizations. These collections have been developed in relation to the teaching and research activities of the University and the community and are available to visiting scholars, the public, and IU Indianapolis faculty, staff, and students. In addition to the physical collections, SCA actively digitizes significant collections for presentation as digital collections. More information about the SCA and its polices can be found on the SCA website.
Joseph and Matthew Payton Philanthropic Studies Library
The Joseph and Matthew Payton Philanthropic Studies Library (PSL) is located within the University Library on the second floor. The primary mission of the PSL is to support the educational and research programs relating to philanthropic studies and nonprofit management at Indiana University. This mission acknowledges a relationship of mutual support with The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University, The Fund Raising School, and the Schools of Liberal Arts and Public and Environmental Affairs at IU Indianapolis. More specific information regarding PSL collection guidelines and policies is available on the PSL website.
Manuscript Collections
The Manuscript Collections contain significant primary sources for the study of:
- Philanthropy, including the records of foundations, nonprofit organizations, national service programs, fund raising firms, associations, and individuals,
- German-Americana, including the records of national and local organizations, and
- General Collections about individuals and organizations with ties to the University and Indianapolis.
Rare Books
The Ruth Lilly Special Collections & Archives does not have an active rare book collecting program. However, they do hold an existing collection of titles from the 16th century to recent first editions, as well as faculty publications. Materials from the general collections that are deemed rare are relocated to the Ruth Lilly Special Collections & Archives and added to the Rare Books collection.
University Archives
he University Archives preserves the official records of IU Indianapolis and its various predecessor institutions. Such materials as correspondence, self-studies, oral histories, photographs, and publications provide an extensive resource for those interested in the history and unique structure of IU Indianapolis. Further details on the University Archives Collection Development policy is available on the Ruth Lilly Special Collections & Archives website.