The collection is arranged in the following series:

Series I. Condolence Materials, 2007-2010. This series was arranged in 12 subseries. The items were arranged according to the person or organization who donated the materials. Within these groupings, the items were further categorized alphabetically.

Subseries 1. Banners, pp. 1-62.

This subseries contains banners received by Virginia Tech following the events of April 16, 2007. Banners were defined as items that could be rolled or folded. Some banners were made of cloth or vinyl. Many of the banners were signed and/or included messages. In some cases, the finding aid includes notes about the content of these messages. An effort was made to note any instances in which the names of any of the 32 victims appeared on the banners.

Subseries 2. Posters, pp. 63-92.

This subseries contains posters received by Virginia Tech following the events that occurred on campus on April 16, 2007. Many of the posters were signed and/or included messages. In some cases, the finding aid includes notes about the content of these messages. An effort was made to note any instances in which the names of any of the 32 victims appeared on the posters.

Subseries 3. Books of Condolences, pp. 93-113.

This subseries contains books of condolences received by Virginia Tech following the events of April 16, 2007. Although gathered under the broad term of books of condolences, the items in this series appear in a wide array of formats and sizes. While a number of the materials take the form of traditional books of condolences, most are of a more informal, impromptu nature. Many of the items in this subseries contain messages from people who gathered at memorial ceremonies throughout the United States and the world.

Other books had simply been put in public places to receive the names and messages of passersby before being sent to Virginia Tech. In addition to names and messages, many of the items in this series include photographs, original artwork, and poetry.

Subseries 4. Sound Materials: Audio CD, Sound Cassettes, Sheet Music, and Song Lyrics, pp. 114-125.

This subseries contains various sound materials such as audio CDs, audio cassettes, sheet music, and song lyrics received by Virginia Tech following the events of April 16, 2007. There is also some overlap between this subseries and Subseries 5.

This subseries was arranged alphabetically by donor name. The donor may or may not be the creator of the item.

Subseries 5. Videos, DVDs, CDs, and Slideshows, pp. 126-133.

This subseries contains materials that have visual content, including videos, DVDs, CDs, and slideshows that were received by Virginia Tech following the events of April 16, 2007. There is also some overlap between this subseries and Subseries 4.

This subseries was arranged alphabetically by donor name. The donor may or may not be the creator of the item.

Subseries 6. Correspondence, pp. 134-292.

Following the events of April 16, 2007, Virginia Tech received cards and letters of condolence from organizations and individuals across the United States and internationally. A majority of the correspondence appears in standard greeting card format, in letters, and in oversize cards. Some contain messages from several individuals. Many of these cards were handmade, and some senders enclosed newspaper clippings or religious literature. Many cards and letters feature artwork, especially items sent from children. Other significant materials include official letters from international embassies and governments.

In general, all of the cards and letters were organized according to the sender; domestic and international correspondence remains separated. The items were arranged according to the nature of the creator from which they were received. Within these groupings, the items were further categorized alphabetically. Specifically, the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures of Virginia Tech received many condolence artifacts, including correspondence and floral arrangements; these items were arranged separately. While a substantial portion of condolences were sent directly to Virginia Tech or one of its departments, some correspondence was sent to the Blacksburg and Virginia Tech police departments. Many of these cards came from fellow police departments, EMTs, fire departments, and other public service agencies; these items were arranged separately.

Subseries 7. Photographs and Digital Images, pp. 293-328.

This subseries contains photographs and digital images sent to Virginia Tech following the events of April 16, 2007. Groups and individuals are pictured, for example, wearing Virginia Tech colors, holding a memorial service, or raising money for the Hokie Spirit Fund. Other subseries may include photographs.

This subseries was arranged alphabetically by donor name. The donor may or may not be the creator of the item.

Subseries 8. Textiles, Memorabilia, Artwork, and Handcrafted Items, pp. 329-381.

This subseries includes a wide variety of items sent to Virginia Tech following the events of April 16, 2007. The subseries includes items such as quilts, drawings, paintings, a car hood, sports memorabilia, U.S. flags flown at various places in honor of the victims, t-shirts, and a life preserver.

Subseries 9. Poetry, pp. 382-412.

This subseries consists of poems composed or sent by individuals from across the United States. Some organizations sending poetry include schools, churches, colleges, and universities. Anonymous poems are also included.

This subseries was arranged into two groups: poetry sent by organizations or groups and poetry sent by individuals. Each group was alphabetized by the name of the organization or individual.

Subseries 10. Resolutions, Proclamations, Declarations, Bills, and Other Legislation, pp. 413-422.

This subseries consists of official resolutions and proclamations passed by the governing bodies for colleges and universities, organizations, and state and local governments. Additional correspondence accompanies some of the resolutions.

Resolutions were arranged in alphabetical order by organization name, with oversized items in separate boxes.

Subseries 11. Books, pp. 423-425.

This subseries consists of books and booklets received by Virginia Tech following the events of April 16, 2007. Subjects of the books include handling grief and grieving or are offered as possible sources of consolation.

Books were arranged alphabetically by donor name. The donor may or may not be the creator of the item.

Subseries 12. Sample Collection of Materials Received by Individual Families of Victims, pp. 426-431.

This subseries includes materials sent to the family of an individual victim. The material in the subseries, although anonymous, represents the cross section of gifts and items given to the families and the University community. The subseries contains music and DVD recordings of songs written for or performed on behalf of the victims, as well as recordings of memorial events on campus. There are cards, poetry, and books of condolences from schools, universities, religious organizations, and individuals. Memorabilia includes a flag flown at the United States Capitol, a knitted prayer shawl, original artwork from an alumna, and a candle burned at a New York University vigil. The subseries also contains publications and programs from memorial events on the Virginia Tech campus.

The subseries was arranged alphabetically by donor name. The donor may or may not be the creator of the material.

Series II. Individual Series, pp. 432-433.

This very small series contains items either sent to or specifically relating to the individuals who were killed on April 16, 2007.

The series was arranged alphabetically. A separate box for Seung-Hui Cho is placed at the end.

Please note: The Virginia Tech April 16, 2007 Archives of the University Libraries DOES NOT contain any official documents. Official documents available to the public may be viewed at dedicated computers in Newman Library, Virginia Tech, and at the Library of Virginia in Richmond.