A Statement from UNO Libraries' Archives and Special Collections

During this time of mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion, UNO Libraries’ Archives and Special Collections is here to provide resources to preserve materials for individuals, communities, and future research.

As expressed by Makayla McMorris, Executive Director of University Communications, “It is incumbent upon us as Maverick researchers, educators, scholars, support staff, alumni, and lifelong learners to do our part to eliminate racism, bigotry, bias, prejudice, and hate within our halls and in the broader Omaha community.”

Archival material is not neutral. Our goal is to preserve documentation that reflects the experiences of the UNO and Omaha communities, especially marginalized communities. We collect to make research diverse, inclusive, and equitable. We collect to document systems of oppression, inequality, and policies of prejudice. We cannot change things over night, but we can help ensure that voices, experiences, and events are not forgotten, ignored, or whitewashed. Black Lives Matter. In this time of activism, unrest, and continuing violence against the Black community, communities of color, Indigenous populations, and the LGBTQ+ community, we are working to be better allies, to learn, and be a more responsible repository.

For those that want to reach out now, we are here. For those that cannot contact us now, we will be here. UNO Libraries’ Archives and Special Collections stands with the Omaha community. All are welcome here.

Areas of focus for UNO Libraries’ Archives and Special Collections include individuals and organizations which have traditionally been under-documented. See our collecting policy and UNO’s mission statement for more information.

A Message from Chancellor Gold

A Message from Makayla McMorris

A Joint Statement of the Student Regents of the University of Nebraska

Society of American Archivists Council Statement on Black Lives and Archives