History
The Institute for Regional Studies, founded at North Dakota State University in 1950, stimulates and coordinates the activities of NDSU in regional scholarship. The Institute rests on the assumptions that scholars in a land-grant university have a particular interest in the affairs of their own region and that regional scholarship is a good thing. However, good regional scholarship is informed by national developments, international context, and comparative studies. It recognizes the cultural diversity that exists within every region, and it draws on the insights of many academic disciplines.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Institute for Regional Studies is to foster understanding of regional life through research on, teaching about, and service to those regions with particular importance to North Dakota State University. These regions include the Red River Valley, the state of North Dakota, the plains of North America (comprising both the Great Plains of the United States and the prairies of Canada), and comparable regions of other continents. In keeping with the land-grant university tradition, the Institute seeks not only knowledge but also appreciation.

Areas of Activity
The activities of the Institute fall into four categories: collections, publications, outreach, and the Center for Social Research. The research collections of the Institute are administered by the NDSU Libraries. The publications program is housed in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Outreach activities involve various units of the University and include radio and television production, public programs, and oral history. Finally, the Center for Social Research, established in 1976, exists to facilitate such social science research as conducting focus-group research and computerized telephone surveys.

Archives Mission Statement
In fostering understanding of regional life through research, the mission of the Institute for Regional Studies Archives is to identify, collect and preserve the historical resources of the region that have lasting value, and to promote the use of these materials by the North Dakota State University community, scholars and the public. Its goal is to provide a research experience for students in the use of primary sources, to advance scholarship and to further the instructional, research and public service missions of the university.

To assist in carring out the mission of the Institute archives, a Collection Development Policy has been implemented that guides both the staff and donors as to what historical documents are accepted by the Institute.

Newsletter
Spring 2000
Fall 2001
Spring 2003

Directors
Thomas J. Riley, Dean, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
701-231-8338
Thomas.Riley@ndsu.ed

James Council, Dean of Libraries
701-231-8887
James.Council@ndsu.edu

Archivists
John E. Bye, Head
701-231-8877
John.Bye@ndsu.edu

Michael J. Robinson, Archivist
701-231-1017
Michael.Robinson@ndsu.edu

Archives Staff
John Hallberg, Archives Associate
701-231-8409
John.Hallberg@ndsu.edu

Center for Social Research
George Youngs, Director
Minard Hall 404A
North Dakota State University
Fargo, ND 58105-5075
701-231-8941
George.Youngs@ndsu.edu

Publications Staff
Ross Collins, Editor
Minard Hall 321A
North Dakota State University
701-231-7295
Ross.Collins@ndsu.edu

Archives Mailing Address, Location and Hours
Map to our location

Archives hours
8:00a.m.-4:30p.m., Monday-Friday (Academic year)
8:00a.m.-8:00p.m., Wednesday (Academic year)
7:30a.m.-4:00p.m., Monday-Friday (Summer)

Archives closings for 2006
Martin Luther Day, Jan. 16
President's Day, Feb. 20
Good Friday, April 14
Memorial Day, May 29
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, Sept. 4
Veterans Day, Nov. 10
Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23
Christmas Day, Dec. 25

Publications Address
Institute for Regional Studies
221 Minard Hall
North Dakota State University
P.O. Box 5075
Fargo, ND 58105-5075
Phone: 701-231-8338
Fax: 701-231-1047
Cathy.Heiraas@ndsu.edu