An archives is a place where people go to discover firsthand facts, data, and evidence from letters, reports, notes, memos, photographs, and other primary sources. The NCAR Archives is part of the NCAR Library, and we are charged with preserving, maintaining, and making accessible collections of documents and records that capture important events related to UCAR/NCAR history. The Archives was established in 1984 following recommendations from the AIP Center for History of Physics and after staff became interested in preserving institutional memory during preparations for NCAR's 25th Anniversary celebration.

We collect materials that document the mission and work of UCAR/NCAR/UCP in the following areas:

• Scientific research
• Support functions that facilitate research
• Supercomputing
• Effects of weather and climate on society
• Contributions to the field of science
• Education and training services
• Community building
• Using science for the betterment of humankind and society
• Administrative records that document the above activities
• The personal and professional papers of some scientists, engineers, administrators, and program staff

Access

The NCAR Archives is open year-round, Tuesday-Friday, from 9:00-4:00. We offer reference and information services for all users and provides access to the collections. If you would like to visit the Archives, please contact us 24 hours in advance to schedule an appointment. Due to the unique nature of archival materials, documents and records in the Archives cannot be loaned out.

Services

• Help with reference requests and finiding information
• Photocopying and scanning materials from the collections
• Granting permission to publish materials for which NCAR holds the copyright

Donating to the Archive

We welcome donations that fall within our collecting scope. 

Contact the Archivist

Frequently Asked Questions