Commerce Department Records

Identity elements

Reference code

SDSU-Archives UA 006.15

Level of description

Records

Title

Commerce Department Records

Date(s)

  • undated (Creation)

Extent

0.21 linear feet (1 document case, half)

Name of creator

Administrative history

Also known as Commercial Science, the Department of Commerce at South Dakota State University existed in the early 1900s and disappeared from college catalogs around 1903. The department offered both secretarial and commercial courses. Secretarial instruction included business law, commercial methods (such as letter writing and filing), typewriting, money and banking, shorthand, and accounting. Commercial courses covered topics such as bookkeeping, business methods, commerce and industry, business affairs, and related subjects.

Content and structure elements

Scope and content

The Commerce Department Records consist of a pamphlet produced by the Department of Commerce at South Dakota State College promoting business training for rural South Dakota, as well as an offprint from the college catalog describing the department’s offerings. These materials reflect the department’s early 20th-century efforts to provide practical commercial education, including both business and secretarial training, tailored to the needs of rural communities.

These records illustrate the role of the Department of Commerce in advancing vocational education in South Dakota, particularly in rural areas. They highlight the institution's commitment to practical training in business methods, supporting regional economic development and workforce preparation during the early 1900s.

System of arrangement

Conditions of access and use elements

Conditions governing access

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In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)

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If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at: Telephone: 605-688-5094 Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu

Physical access

Technical access

Conditions governing reproduction

Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:

  • Permission: Written permission must be obtained from the SDSU Archives for any reproduction, publication, or quotation of materials.
  • Copyright: Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws and securing any necessary permissions from copyright holders.
  • Fragile Materials: Some items may not be reproduced due to their fragile condition.
  • Charges: Reproduction charges may apply, and users will be informed of any costs in advance.
  • Acknowledgment: Any reproduced material must include proper acknowledgment of the South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections as the source.

    For more information or to request permission, please contact the SDSU Archives.

Languages of the material

  • English

Scripts of the material

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    Notes element

    General note

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    Copyright and Use Statement

    In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

    Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.

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