Courting the presidential library system: Are President George Walker Bush and Baylor University a match made in heaven? (Texas)

Each presidential library embodies one American president and his time in office as the most powerful individual of that era. Within such institutions are White House archival records ranging from Cabinet meeting notes to letters that the President received, also perhaps during his lifetime. The library may also have a museum, highlighting the artifacts held most dear by the President and his family---items such as a favorite car, a section of Air Force One, a reading desk, the First Lady's office furniture, or something as simple as a favorite tie worn during election time.; Three laws of congress govern the presidential libraries---the Presidential Libraries Act of 1955 establishing the libraries; Presidential Records Act of 1978 declaring the White House papers property of the United States; and the Presidential Libraries Act of 1986 establishing physical and fiscal limitations on future libraries. For many of the early presidents, nothing remains to enlighten about their lives and their presidencies.; It has been shown that presidential libraries are very successful when associated with a major university, chosen by the President himself. Therefore, typically, universities must present the President with a proposal, justifying a connection between the President and the university. Baylor University in Waco, Texas and its proposal development will be researched using case study methodology. A first step for any university proposal requires a feasibility study to address issues surrounding a Presidential Library Center, then incorporating the ideas into an acceptable agenda. Baylor University is one of several universities vying for the George W. Bush Presidential Library Center.; This study examines the historical background as well as the current process in place today for submitting a proposal for the George W. Bush Presidential Library Center. In the conclusion of the study are found recommendations and observations intended for future planners of presidential library centers. As this study draws to a close, President George W. Bush has yet to select a university or a site for his future presidential library center.