The Ohio State University Archives serves as the official memory of the University. The Archives identifies, preserves, and makes available the documentation of continuing and historical value in documenting the University. The Archives Building also serves as the site for the Byrd Polar Research Center Archival Program and the John Glenn Archives.

Nearly all of the research materials housed in the Archives are available without restrictions. The Photo Archives contain more than 1.5 million photographic images of University life from the 1870s to the present time.