Archival Collections

Archival research opens the door to history in its rawest form. Archives contain original, one-of-a-kind materials that provide evidence, perspectives, and details you cannot find anywhere else. Whether you are writing a research paper, exploring local history, or looking for inspiration for a creative project, archives allow you to engage directly with the voices and records of the past.

This guide introduces you to what archives are, where to find them, how to search effectively, and how to overcome common challenges.

What are Archival Collections?

Archives are collections of unique materials preserved because of their historical, cultural, or informational value. Unlike books or journal articles, most archival items exist as single copies.

Examples of archival materials include:

• Personal letters, diaries, and journals
• Photographs, maps, and posters
• Manuscripts and rare books
• Organizational and government records
• Oral histories and interviews
• Audiovisual materials (film, recordings)
• Digital files and born-digital collections

Because archives preserve original materials, they are an essential source for primary source research—firsthand evidence of events, people, and ideas.

Why Researchers Use Archives

Undergraduate students often discover archives when asked to use primary sources for a class project. However, archives support many different kinds of research:

• Historical inquiry – understanding how people experienced or recorded events.
• Literary or cultural analysis – examining drafts, letters, or artifacts to study context.
• Creative inspiration – providing authentic detail for novels, plays, films, or artwork.
• Social and community research – learning about local history, traditions, or institutions.
• Policy and organizational research – studying how decisions were made and recorded.

By working with archives, you move beyond secondary interpretations and engage directly with the evidence.

Where Archives Exist

Archival collections are found in a wide variety of places. Some are large national institutions, while others are local or specialized.

Common types of archives include:

• University archives – preserve records of the institution as well as faculty and student papers.
• Special collections libraries – focus on rare books, manuscripts, and unique cultural materials.
• Government archives – store public records, legislative materials, census data, and legal documents.
• Museums and historical societies – often collect community or regional historical documents.
• Religious, nonprofit, and corporate archives – maintain organizational records and correspondence.
• Digital archives – provide online access to digitized or born-digital collections (though these usually represent only a fraction of the whole).

Each archive reflects its mission, so not all places will collect materials on every subject. Sometimes the best sources are held in unexpected places.

How to Search Archives

Unlike books or journal articles, archival materials often do not have detailed item-level catalog records. Instead, archives are organized by collection, which means that searching requires some strategy.

Key Tools for Searching

• Finding aids – descriptive guides that explain what a collection contains, usually organized by boxes and folders.
• Archive catalogs or databases – some archives are searchable through shared platforms such as ArchiveGrid, WorldCat, or the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA).
• Institutional websites – many archives host their own search portals and research guides.
• Subject guides and pathfinders – curated by librarians and archivists to highlight resources for specific topics.

Search Strategies

• Start with broad terms—archives may use historical or outdated language.
• Try searching by names of people, organizations, or places rather than only by topic.
• Expect descriptions at the collection level; you may need to review a finding aid to understand what is inside.
• Be open to related or adjacent collections—archival research often involves discovery and serendipity.
• Keep careful notes of collection names, box numbers, and folder details for future reference.

Challenges of Archival Research

Working with archives can be different from other types of research. It helps to be aware of a few common challenges:

• Not everything is digitized. Most archival materials are only available in physical form.
• Not everything is online. Catalogs and finding aids may not capture the full depth of a collection.
• Restricted access. Some collections are closed due to privacy, copyright, or preservation concerns.
• Time commitment. Using archives requires patience, careful note-taking, and sometimes travel.
• Interpretation. Primary sources often require context—you may need to read secondary sources to fully understand what you find.

Recognizing these challenges ahead of time can help you plan effectively.

Working with Archivists and Librarians

Perhaps the most important tip: You are not alone. Archivists and librarians are experts in navigating collections, and they want to help.

• Contact ahead of time - Archivists can tell you whether relevant materials exist and how to request them.
• Ask questions - They can suggest collections, search terms, or related resources you might not find on your own.
• Request materials - Even if you cannot visit in person, many archives can provide scans or digital copies.
• Follow guidelines - Archives often have rules about handling materials, using laptops or cameras, and requesting reproductions—these protect fragile and unique items.

Building a relationship with archivists can make your research more effective and less intimidating.

Key Takeaways

• Archives preserve unique, original sources that provide firsthand perspectives.
• They exist in many institutions, from universities to government offices to community historical societies.
• Searching archives requires creativity and persistence, but also opens the door to discovery.
• Most archival materials are not available freely available online—plan to contact the archive or request access.
• Archivists and librarians are partners in your research journey.

Archival research may take patience, but the process can be deeply rewarding. By engaging with original sources, you are not just reading history—you are uncovering it.

Explore this Archival Collections guide to find curated archival collections that align with your field of study and best practices for using Google to discover primary source material. This resource can help you discover unique primary sources to strengthen and inspire your research projects.