By Victoria Jones, University Archivist
It’s the beginning of a new year and a new semester! With the hope and excitement that brings, it also means new assignments. Discussion posts, research papers, posters, and presentations are just a few of the many assignments that Florida Gulf Coast University students will be working on this semester. Some students may find that archives research is required in or could help their coursework. Archival research can be daunting for beginners; so, University Archives and Special Collections is providing five tips for getting started with archival research to make the process a little easier.
What Are Archives?
Before we begin discussing tips for using archives, it is important to understand what archives are. One definition for archives is, “collections of records which have been selected for permanent preservation because of their historical value.” We use the word record as a catch-all term to describe all the different types of materials that archives may house like letters, books, cassette tapes, film, maps, film, etc.
Archival research can be a fun and rewarding process. Here are five tips for beginners just getting started:
1. Preparing for a Visit
The best place to begin your archives research journey is our website! Unlike libraries, materials in archives are not openly available in the stacks. Instead, they are held in secure locations and brought to researchers upon request. That means that visitors need to have an idea of what they would like to see before they visit. Researchers can use the archives’ website to access our digital primary sources, our collection guide, and our finding aids.
2. Handling Archival Material
The first time that a researcher handles archival material can be nerve-wracking. Records housed in archives are rare and unique and patrons often share that they are worried about damaging the items. To prevent the likelihood of that happening, users can expect to follow these guidelines in the Reading Room:
Food and drinks are not allowed to prevent spills.
Researchers use pencils instead of pens to protect materials from ink stains.
Go slow and use items one at a time in order to keep records in the correct order.
3. Take Good Notes
Since archives material cannot be checked out, taking good notes can make or break a visit to the archives. As you go through your material make sure to write down interesting quotes and questions that you have. Also, make sure that you take note of the citation information – the collection, box, and folder number – so you can remember where you got your information.
4. Ask Questions
Never be afraid to ask questions! Archival collections can be difficult to fully understand, but archivists are accustomed to the organization of the materials. Researchers should feel comfortable using archives staff as a resource. Ask us questions about specific materials or collections. We are always happy to help! You can ask questions by calling us at 239-745-4476, emailing us at libarchives@fgcu.edu , or scheduling a research consultation.
5. Attend Archives Workshops
Archives research gets easier and better with practice! One way to improve your primary source research skills is to attend Archives Workshop. We offer a session that focuses on a specific skill or tool related to archives each month. This semester, we will offer four workshops. This month’s workshop, Treasure Maps of the Archives: Learn to Navigate Finding Aids, will teach attendees how to navigate finding aids to locate primary sources. It will be held on Tuesday, January 21, at 3 p.m. in the University Archives and Special Collections on the third floor. Keep up to date with our monthly workshops on the Library Calendar.
Archives research shouldn’t be intimidating. It can be a fun and illuminating process, but the most important part is getting started. We hope to see you as you perfect your practice and work towards becoming an expert archives researcher!
