Archives, Special Collections, and Digital Initiatives (ASCDI)

ASCDI collects, organizes, preserves, and makes accessible materials of enduring value that support the mission of The University of Alabama in Huntsville to "explore, discover, create, and transfer knowledge." The unit focuses on the following areas: the history of aerospace, science fiction literature, local and regional politics, the history and culture of Alabama’s Tennessee River Valley, and materials documenting the history of the University. ASCDI seeks to be one of the nation’s preeminent locations for space history research and to play a role in the broader research community by building collections in areas not well covered by other repositories. Consequently, ASCDI draws visiting scholars to the campus and enhances the overall reputation of UAH as a center for research and scholarship. ASCDI works collaboratively with students, staff and faculty to support Digital Initiatives through the creation of, access to, and preservation of digital scholarship.

ASCDI provides access to its collections both online and in person in the reading room, which is located on the Lower Level of the M. Louis Salmon Library. The reading room is open to researchers seven hours per day Monday through Friday, except for University holidays. ASCDI is a closed-stack facility, and researchers should visit the reference desk in the reading room to consult archival and special collection material.

ASCDI Collection Development Policy

Collection Focus

ASCDI contains unique materials on the following specific subject areas. These materials are described according to national standards of the Society of American Archivists and the Rare Books and Manuscript Section of the Association of College and Research Libraries, a member of the American Library Association. The major subject areas of the collection include:

  • Archives of The University of Alabama in Huntsville. In compliance with the Code of Alabama 1975, Section 41-13-21, The University of Alabama in Huntsville assists with permanent storage of important university records, particularly those of historical value. The retention of records is governed by the State Records Disposition Authority (RDA) for the public universities of Alabama. ASCDI only receives materials of enduring historical and archival value and does not hold student or employee records.
  • Aerospace. The University of Alabama in Huntsville has a lengthy relationship with the aerospace industries, and as such ASCDI collects materials that relate to this field. Thematic collections focus on such topics as aircraft engines, the Saturn V project, lunar roving vehicles, microgravity experiments, and Skylab. Personal collections from individuals who have made contributions to this field, such as astronauts, engineers, pilots, and research professionals are also collected.
  • Alabama’s Tennessee Valley History and Culture. Manuscript and print materials that document the history and culture of the Tennessee Valley region of northern Alabama during the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries are a collecting focus of ASCDI. These collections are of interest to local history researchers, especially those interested in the built environment.
  • Political Papers Related to Northern Alabama. ASCDI actively solicits the papers of political figures from Madison County and the surrounding northern Alabama region. The papers of Robert E.“Bud” Cramer, Jr., Robert E. “Bob” Jones, and John Sparkman form the core of the political collections.
  • Science Fiction Literature. ASCDI collects science fiction literature in a variety of forms, including individual monographs, serials, short stories, and the papers of science fiction writers and organizations. The Willy Ley Collection and Robert L. Forward Collection both contain archival material related to science fiction. ASCDI holds over 5,000 works of popular science fiction literature.

Forms of Material Collected

In addition to archival materials, the UAH Special Collections collects architectural drawings, audio, digital materials, maps, memorabilia, monographs, objects, oral histories, photographs, serials, technical booklets, and video.

Oral histories are conducted and collected on topics which fall into ASCDI’s collecting areas. Currently, the collection consists of over 500 oral histories, most of which focus on aerospace. ASCDI partners with faculty, students, individual researchers, and community groups to plan and promote innovative oral history projects. These interviews are recorded and moderated by community partners

Exclusions

In general, the facility does not accept materials which fall outside of the areas of collecting emphasis. ASCDI does not collect or house personally identifiable information (PII) or material that is currently designated as classified, which is defined as Top Secret, Secret, confidential, or restricted.

Language Collected

Special Collections collects materials primarily in English, with a secondary emphasis on German and Russian language materials.

Deaccession Policy

Duplicates, materials that do not reflect the collection areas of UAH ASCDI, and damaged materials may be deaccessioned, subject to the terms of acquisition and state and federal law. This material may be offered to the donor, the donor’s family, or another institution which is more appropriate to the subject or theme. If none of the above methods are suitable, the material may be discarded or surplused.

 

Updated September 28, 2026