Containing books, rare manuscripts, photographs, and audio and moving-image recordings, the archives serve as a resource for scholarly and creative projects dealing with life in southern Appalachia.

Created as part of the Institute of Appalachian Affairs by Arthur H. DeRosier, Jr., newly appointed President of ETSU, its mission was to coordinate research and public service relating to the sociological, political, economic and cultural aspects of life in southern Appalachia.

The archives developed teaching packets to accompany the presentations, which included transcripts, bibliographies, and suggested classroom activities for public school students.

Under Garrison's direction, the archives implemented a computerized access system in 1986 and hired Norma (Myers) Thomas as Technical Services Archivist.

In 1984, as a part of the state's Better Schools Program passed by the 1984 legislature, ETSU inaugurated the Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services (CASS).