4.3 Archival research strategies

Archival research strategies are crucial for uncovering lost stories. They involve navigating various types of archives, understanding their organization, and using effective search techniques to find relevant documents. These skills help researchers access and interpret historical materials.

Interpreting archival documents requires considering historical context, analyzing physical characteristics, and triangulating evidence. Researchers must also develop systems for organizing findings, managing data, and synthesizing information. These strategies enable the recovery and retelling of forgotten narratives.

Archives for Historical Research

Types and Access

Top images from around the web for Types and Access

• 

  What makes for an archives? A look at the core archival functions – Active History View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  10/3: Archival Research: The Basics View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Library Workshops in October View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  What makes for an archives? A look at the core archival functions – Active History View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  10/3: Archival Research: The Basics View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Types and Access

• 

  What makes for an archives? A look at the core archival functions – Active History View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  10/3: Archival Research: The Basics View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Library Workshops in October View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  What makes for an archives? A look at the core archival functions – Active History View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  10/3: Archival Research: The Basics View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Archives are collections of historical documents, records, and other materials preserved for their enduring value and made accessible for research purposes
• Various types of archives exist, including government archives, university archives, corporate archives, museum archives, and private archives
  • Each type may have different access policies, procedures, and holdings (government archives may require security clearance, private archives may have restricted access)
• Online archival databases and digital collections have expanded access to archival materials, enabling remote research and broader dissemination
  • However, many unique materials are still only available in physical archives, requiring in-person visits and hands-on examination

Navigating Archives

• Archivists and reference staff provide valuable guidance and assistance in navigating archives and locating relevant materials
  • Building relationships with archival staff can facilitate research by gaining insights into collections, uncovering hidden resources, and expediting access
• Researchers must familiarize themselves with the specific policies, procedures, and tools of each archive they visit
  • Registration requirements, handling guidelines, and duplication services vary across institutions (some archives may require gloves for handling documents, others may prohibit photography)
• Understanding the organizational structure and cataloging systems of archives is essential for efficient navigation
  • Archival materials are often organized by provenance, keeping records from the same creator together (records from a specific government agency or family)

Effective Archival Search Strategies

Understanding Archival Description

• Archival materials are typically organized and described at the collection level rather than the item level
  • Understanding the principles of archival arrangement and description is essential for effective searching
• Finding aids are tools that describe the contents and context of archival collections
  • They may include collection-level descriptions, box and folder lists, and subject indexes
  • Learning to navigate and interpret finding aids is a key skill for locating relevant materials within larger collections
• Archival descriptions often use controlled vocabularies and standardized terminology
  • Familiarizing oneself with archival descriptive standards (EAD - Encoded Archival Description) and subject thesauri can improve search precision

Search Techniques and Strategies

• Keyword searching in online catalogs and databases can help identify relevant collections
  • However, researchers must also consider alternative terms, synonyms, and related concepts to capture the full scope of relevant materials
• Provenance, or the origin and ownership history of materials, is a fundamental principle of archival organization
  • Tracing the provenance of relevant individuals, families, or organizations can lead to pertinent collections (searching for records of a specific government agency or business)
• Consulting secondary sources, such as scholarly publications and reference works, can provide leads and context for archival research
  • Bibliographies and citations may point to specific collections or repositories holding relevant materials
• Networking with other researchers, archivists, and subject experts can yield valuable insights and recommendations for locating relevant materials
  • Attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and participating in online forums can facilitate connections and knowledge sharing

Interpreting Archival Documents

Historical Context

• Archival documents must be interpreted and analyzed in light of their historical context
  • This includes considering the social, political, economic, and cultural conditions of their creation and use (wartime propaganda, economic recession)
• The purpose, audience, and intended function of documents shape their content and meaning
  • Considering why and for whom documents were created is essential for accurate interpretation (census records for government planning, personal letters for intimate communication)
• Silences and gaps in the archival record may reflect historical power dynamics, biases, and exclusions
  • Researchers must critically interrogate absences and consider whose voices and experiences may be missing (marginalized communities, oral traditions)

Document Analysis

• The form, format, and materiality of documents can provide clues about their context and significance
  • Examining physical characteristics, such as handwriting, letterhead, or annotations, can yield insights into authorship, provenance, and reception
• Triangulating evidence from multiple sources and perspectives can help corroborate or challenge interpretations of archival documents
  • Consulting additional primary sources (newspapers, photographs) and secondary sources (scholarly articles, books) provides a more comprehensive understanding
• Situating archival documents within broader historical narratives and debates requires a deep understanding of the relevant historiography
  • Engaging with scholarly literature helps contextualize and interpret findings within existing frameworks and discussions

Organizing Archival Research Findings

Data Capture and Management

• Developing a systematic method for capturing and organizing archival research data is crucial for effective analysis and interpretation
  • This may involve a combination of note-taking, photography, photocopying, and scanning to create a personal research collection
• Creating a consistent and detailed citation system for archival sources facilitates proper attribution and allows for easy retrieval of materials
  • Following established citation styles (Chicago, MLA) or adapting them for specific needs ensures standardization and reproducibility
• Transcribing, annotating, and indexing key documents can make them more searchable and easier to analyze
  • Using standardized formats and metadata enhances the usability and interoperability of research data

Analysis and Synthesis

• Employing data management tools, such as spreadsheets, databases, or qualitative analysis software, can help structure and query research findings
  • Consistently applying tags, keywords, or codes enables thematic analysis and pattern recognition (NVivo, Atlas.ti)
• Regularly reviewing and synthesizing research findings helps identify patterns, connections, and gaps
  • Creating timelines, maps, or other visualizations can reveal new insights and relationships between events, people, and places
• Developing an organizational system for research materials, such as a hierarchy of folders or a naming convention for files, ensures easy access and retrieval
  • Regularly backing up digital files and creating multiple copies of physical notes is essential for preservation and data security