Drexel University Archives System of Arranging Collections

The abbreviations before each collection title represent each collection’s unique identifier, which we use to track collections.  Each abbreviation contains some useful information for researchers.

“MC” indicates a Manuscript collection. These are archival records donated to the archives by individuals or organizations. Individuals might be affiliated with Drexel (faculty, alumni, etc.) but the records are not “official” records of Drexel University.

“UR” indicates a University Records collection. The records of Drexel’s colleges and schools, academic departments, administrative offices, etc. are organized in the archives into the following categories:

1. Office of the President
2. Board of Trustees
3. Administration
4. Academics
5. Library
6. Students, faculty, and staff
7. Athletics
8. Campus organizations
9. Committees, projects, and reports
10. Public relations
11. Museum
12. Publications

For example, UR 1.1 is the records of the first president of Drexel, James MacAlister.  UR 7.2 indicates the records of Drexel football program.

“PC” indicates a Photograph Collection. These are, simply, collections consisting only of photographs.  Please note that some Manuscript and University Records collections may contain photographs. See each collection’s documentation for more details.