This collection is composed of the museum director's records which contain files related to the operation of the museum, exhibition files, Board of Trustees records, and files related to the museum guild.

The records related to the museum director are composed of material pertaining to the museum building, fundraising, finances, publications and general material related to the operation of the museum.

The director's records are composed of material pertaining to the South Dakota Art Museum building, fundraising, finances, publications and general material related to the operation of the museum. The building files relate to the original construction of the building in 1969 as well as material dealing with the addition constructed in the 1990s. Included are specifications, plans, fundraising, correspondence and events connected with the addition construction, such as the groundbreaking, and the move in preparation for construction. The fundraising files consist of materials related to fundraising efforts in connection with the construction of the addition to the Art Museum. Included are Board of Trustees fundraising information, and material generated by the SDSU Foundation for the Visions for the Future campaign. The financial files are composed of budget files and accounting reports. Also included are year-end reports and inventories for the museum gift shop. Also included are accreditation materials, annual reports, materials related to collections; such as Harvey Dunn and Vera Way Marghab, materials related to events sponsored by the museum, the Jeannette Lusk Memorial Library, and the retirement tribute and reception for Joseph M. Stuart; the first director of the museum. Folders include correspondence, clippings, photographs, programs, and flyers. Publications include exhibition catalogues, materials mailed for promotion of events, brochures, pamphlets, and newsletters.

This exhibition records relate to exhibitions at the South Dakota Art Museum from its inception in 1970 to 1996. These records consist of catalogues, correspondence (to artists, galleries), shipping data, insurance policies, inventories, loan agreements, artist biographies, artwork Descriptions, instructions for handling and/or mounting the works, labels, publicity, clippings, and plans for exhibit cases. A large portion of this collection consists of photographed images of artwork for incoming exhibitions as well as gallery views of the complete exhibit in the museums galleries. Slides make up a large part of these images but photographs and negatives are also included.

The Board of Trustees records consist mainly of meetings minutes and files on individual board members. Folders containing the meeting minutes include agendas, minutes, correspondence, and other material related directly to meetings, such as publications and reports. The files on individual board members may include biographies, clippings, and correspondence. Also included are by-laws, orientation for board members, and board of director's committee files, such as the collection committee, membership committee, special events committee, and donor recognition committee. These files include committee minutes, correspondence and other material related to meetings.

The guild records are composed of records of the South Dakota Art Museum Guild. Folders include handbooks, by-laws, correspondence, membership lists, and guides for docents.