The Sanford School of Public Policy, originally called the Institute of Policy Sciences and Public Affairs, was established by on July 1, 1971, by then-President of Duke University Terry Sanford. This collection includes administrative records, promotional materials, and event-related materials from the Sanford School of Public Policy.

This collection includes administrative records, promotional materials, and event-related materials from the Sanford School of Public Policy. Administrative records include memoranda, meeting minutes, reports, working papers, publications, and other materials. These records also include some documents concerning the undergraduate program and may include some student materials. Promotional and event-related materials describe the school's curriculum, academic programs, faculty, research, and events, and include brochures, pamphlets, posters, newsletters, and audio and video recordings of lectures and panels.