Tips for a successful trip to the Archives or Special Collections:
Before you arrive:
- Make sure you understand your assignment before you pick a general topic
- if you're working with an archival collection, review finding aids and know which items you want to work with in advance
- Familiarize yourself with the Home section of this guide
When you get to the Archives or Special Collections
- It may take up to 15-30min to get registered and set up with materials--factor this time in when planning your visit
- Be prepared to tell staff the specific thing you want to see
- In the Archives- let staff know the collection AND box you'd like to work with
- In Special Collections- Let staff know the title of the publication you'd like to read
- Give yourself enough time to make mistakes and change the direction of your research
- For each source you consider, record the title, creator, publishing date, and, if applicable, the box and folder number
When you get home
- Organize your sources and notes, then consider: How are the sources you've found related? What questions do you still have? What details ar you still fuzzy on? What sources could you consult to answer those questions?
- Jot down notes about which folders/items you still want to review
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