Archival records documenting MSU departments can be found at the MSU Archives. They can be searched through the Archives portal https://findingaids.lib.msu.edu/repositories/2, or searched in the library catalog http://catalog.lib.msu.edu/ (Helpful hint- when searching the library catalog use the advanced search page. On that page, select “Univ Arch & Hist Coll” from the drop down box to limit the search to the Archives holdings.
In addition to the collections of the individual departments, information can also be found in the Office of the Provost, Office of the President or Media Communications records. The records of individual MSU presidents may also contain relevant department information. Many departments created newsletters or publications which can also be found by searching the library catalog or the archives portal.
Another source is the Michigan Board of Agriculture Annual Report, which contain a yearly update of activities of the University. Along with general university-wide information there are submissions by individual departments. These published reports were discontinued after 1957. Many departments continued to produce annual reports after that time. Departmental annual reports created after 1957 are listed in the collection inventories of the departments.
Michigan Board of Agriculture Annual reports are available in the MSU Archives and at the Main Library.