Primary Source Literacy : Using Archives

There are many Archives and Special Collections located in our region. Here are just some examples nearby institutions with archive, manuscript, and rare book collections.

Visiting an archival collection is a valuable experience for any researcher. Here are a few tips.

• Contact the archivist or librarian to schedule a visit. Tell them as much as possible about your topic and wait for their response. They will be able to tell you how your research  may be helped by the collection, or may point you in a better direction. 

• Upon your first visit, be prepared to follow the guidelines of that particular organization.
  • You may or may not be able to bring bags, paper, writing utensils, laptops, or other electronics.
  • You may also be asked to wear gloves when handling certain materials.
  • There may be certain restrictions and fees in obtaining photocopies, scans, or photographs of items.   

• Even with restrictions, the main goal of the staff is to provide access to researchers. The staff will assist you in finding the best way to complete your research.   

• While going through a collection, take notes on important information (location - box #, dates, authors, quotes). Note the resources you are utilizing and ask the staff for the preferred way to cite their collections. By noting each letter, memo, photograph, etc. as you use it, compiling your reference list will be that much easier.