Primary research material abounds in archives, libraries and other institutions all over the world. Because such material is generally irreplaceable, few institutions will loan their collections so researchers must be prepared to travel to the sources essential to their projects. This guide is intended to offer suggestions on planning a research trip to an archives or primary resource repository.
Do Your Homework
Before starting a primary source research project, you should first read up on your topic using secondary sources. Consult books and articles previously written on your topic to gain a familiarity with your subject. Note important dates related to your topic since this may help you identify – or eliminate – some primary source collections. Try to narrow the focus of your research since broad topics may prove difficult to research thoroughly in a single visit.
Locating Material
While reviewing secondary resource material on your topic, browse author bibliographies to identify primary resources consulted in preparation of the paper or book.
Search WorldCat, OCLC’s global catalog of library collections, for material related to your topic. Don’t forget to check online for collections related to your topic. Use subject keywords or personal names combined with “Papers,” “Manuscripts,” or “Collections” to find mentions of your subject on library and archive web sites.
Finally, ask a local archivist or librarian for advice on locating archives with source material on your topic. Once you have identified archives with collections of interest, contact the archives about your topic and ask for assistance in locating local material which may not be listed in catalogs or on web sites.
Planning Your Trip
Once you’re ready to make your research trip, take some time to find out about access and use policies at the institutions you plan to visit. Some of the questions you need to ask may include the following:
Using the Archives
Since some items may be too fragile for copying, be sure to plan suitable time for on-site research. Questions related to physical use of the archives may include:
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