The Howard University Archives serves as a secure repository for the official records of the University, including the administrative files of schools, colleges and departments, University publications, Howard theses and dissertations, as well as materials illustrating the contributions of Howard alumni to society. The Archives provides information on the history of Howard University and its important personages and acquires and preserves University artifacts and memorabilia.

Collections maintained by the Howard University Archives include:

 i. Minutes of the Howard University Board of Trustees,1867 to the present;

ii. The Howardiana Collection which consists of university publications such as annual reports, university catalogs, and student publications dating from 1867 to the present;

iii. Theses and dissertations from The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences dating from 1918 to the present;

iv. The Howardiana Vertical Files which consist of alphabetical files containing news articles, programs and other material documenting the activities of the various schools, colleges, departments and organizations of the university dating from the early 1900s to the present;

v. The Howardiana Biographical Files which provide information about distinguished faculty, alumni and staff of the university; and

vi. The Howard University Archives Photographs and Audiovisual Collection which consists of images, audiotapes, and audiovisual tapes that document the university's physical development, activities, organizations, visiting dignitaries, administrators, faculty, and staff.