OT Archives primarily works with and for the following groups of users.
Administration
- provides historical documentation to aid in making decisions today
- assists in finding historical images, facts, and evidence required by today's leaders and various campus offices
- answers questions about facilities and personnel
Current Students
- helps students connect with their institution by learning about its history and culture
- exposes students to primary sources and unique original materials
- provides access to materials that support curriculum
- introduces the rigors and excitement of the original research, which enhances their educational experience
Faculty
- provides historical examples of curricula and syllabi
- answers questions about past courses, their name changes, and the names of faculty who taught them over the years
- forges connections with faculty by having their assistance in identifying photographs and other materials for the archivists
Alumni
- communicates with alumni to solicit their donations
- helps maintain their ties with their institution
- participates in campus-wide events like Commencement to assist in alumni reunions (e.g., Golden Owls)
- answers questions, finds facts and images for alumni and their families
- provides an unchanging physical place where their institutional memories are kept in perpetuity
General Public
- employs specific collections (e.g., Geo-Heat) to provide valuable information (e.g., personal and industrial geothermal wells)
- answers questions about the institution
- provides factual assistance to researchers
- establishes and reaches a broader research community, increasing the public awareness of the university