The University Archives contains the official records of the institution along with materials from faculty staff, students, and alumni relating to MSU history. MSU graduate theses, dissertations, and professional papers. MSU faculty manuscripts. The papers of M. L. Wilson in his capacity as chairman of MSU's department of Agricultural Economics, are especially noteworthy as they contain extensive records on Montana agriculture. Over 10,000 photographs relating to MSU history and the activities of the various extension service programs and experiment stations.
All materials are non-circulating and subject to use restrictions within the reading room.
Photocopies may be requested from the staff but are available based on the condition of the material and copyright restrictions. Some collections have particular user restrictions as required by law or imposed by donors. Pencils are required for note taking, and complete rules for the reading room are available for all visitors.