CHAPEL HILL-- The legacy of Coach Dean Smith lives on at UNC Chapel Hill.

Wilson Library unveiled the Dean Smith Personal Papers Collection, containing more than 12,000 records.

“Covering the period all the way from Dean Smith's childhood to 2008,” says Bryan Giemza, director of the University Libraries.

The collection holds letters, pictures, speeches, newspaper stories, books, and other trinkets detailing Smith's childhood and professional career.

“But I think it really gives you that look at him as a person as well and the items and the issues in which he was interested,” says Jason Tomberlin, Head of Research and Instructional Services

Items also include a piece of netting he took from the 1982 championship game and even a note he gave to current coach Roy Williams on how to beat Duke for one particular game. The collection includes a high school report, for which Smith received an “A.”

Curators say it took at least 20 years to pull off the collection and the Smith's family donated just about all of the items.

Smith led the men's basketball team for 36 years before retiring in 1997 with two national championship wins. He died in 2015.

Library officials say the collection is now open to the public but appointments aren't necessary. They do advise calling ahead at 919-962-3765.