Collection Development Policy

Baylor Collections of Political Materials at the W.R. Poage Library, dedicated in 1979 and named after Congressman W. R. "Bob" Poage, serves as a key research center for studying modern American political history. The library houses materials related to local, state, and national government, including papers from U.S. Congress members, Texas legislators, and local officials. BCPM at W. R. Poage Library supports research and programming for students, scholars, and the public with primary source materials that address a wide range of issues from the 20th and 21st centuries. Materials highlight the intersection of politics with all aspects of American life including agriculture, civil rights, education, immigration, religion, and social programs.

Manuscripts, Monographs, Government Documents, Reference Works, Maps, Audio-Visual Materials

Collections documenting: 

• Waco and McLennan County politics and elected officials
• Waco's U.S. Congressional District 17
• Baylor Alumni serving as elected officials

• Congressional Papers - including congressional papers from U.S. Representatives from the 1940s to the present. The major subjects covered include agriculture, civil rights, education, immigration, religion, and social programs
• Texas Government - Several collections of state leaders and political parties are represented  
• Campaign Memorabilia - Local, state and national elections are documented

Unless they are integral to the mission of the repository,

• Artifacts
• Framed items
• Memorabilia

• Website: https://library.web.baylor.edu/poage
• Email: bcpm@baylor.edu
• Director: Jeff Pirtle, jeff_pirtle@baylor.edu