The Norfolk State University
Harrison B. Wilson Archives Reading Room
Image courtesy of the Harrison B. Wilson Archives.
Archives
Sometimes, the materials you need can only be accessed in person. When planning your visit to an archives, make sure that you contact the archives in advance to let them know you would like to do research.
Most archives have reading room rules. You will be handling fragile, one-of-a-kind, and/or historic materials. Make sure you understand what you are allowed to bring with you.
For example, the Harrison B. Wilson Archives, located in the NSU Library has the following archival regulations:
- The Reading Room is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome! However, preference will be given to researchers and members of the greater Spartan community that have made appointments.
- Patrons without appointments will be allotted time to peruse the reading room stacks and must exit when the staff exits.
- Research requests must be made in advance.
- Everyone must sign in upon arrival.
- Please observe the rules prohibiting eating, drinking, and smoking.
- Overcoats, book bags, briefcases and other bulky items must be checked into the lockers provided. They should not be taken to the research table.
- Talking should be kept to a minimum and done quietly to avoid disturbing other researchers.
- Note taking with pencils and portable computers is allowed (Wi-Fi is available). Pens are not allowed.
- Do not remove any books, theses, or journals from the shelves. Ask for assistance.
- No records are to be removed from the Archives or checked out.
- Records and materials should stay on the table at all times.
- Only two (2) archival boxes at a time are allowed on a table.
- Be careful to return all items to the folders from which they were taken.
- You are responsible for safeguarding the condition of the records and materials while you are using them.
- Courtesy photocopying is limited to a maximum of 10 pages, and only if staff is available.
- All research materials must be returned to folders/boxes by 4:45 p.m.
- A satisfaction survey can be requested.
- Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections LibraryPart of the University of Virginia's Library, the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library holds more than 16 million objects including manuscripts, archival records, rare books, maps, broadsides, photographs, audio and video recordings and more.
-Materials added to the collection since 2016 can be searched at the Archives at UVA.
-Materials added to the collection before 2016 can be searched using Archival Resources of the Virginias.
- Archival Resources of the Virginias (ARVAS)
Archival Resources of the Virginias (ARVAS), formerly Virginia Heritage, is a consolidated database of finding aids that provides information about the vast array of manuscripts and archival materials housed in historical societies, libraries, museums, colleges, and universities across Virginia and West Virginia.
- E. Claiborne Robins, Jr. Research LibraryPart of the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, the library holds a comprehensive collection of manuscripts and published materials documenting Virginia's history and culture, including state and local histories and items relating to businesses and institutions in the Commonwealth.
- Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George WashingtonThe George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon is a resource for scholars, students, and all those interested in George Washington, colonial America, and the Revolutionary and founding eras.
- Harrison B. Wilson ArchivesThe Harrison B. Wilson Archives is the repository of the non-current, official records of the University, its organizations, students and faculty. The Archives also collects and preserves the historical records of African-Americans in Virginia and makes them available to students and other researchers.
- Library of VirginiaThe Library is one of the oldest agencies of Virginia government, founded in 1823 to preserve and provide access to the state's printed and manuscript holdings. The collection is the most comprehensive resource in the world for the study of Virginia history, culture, and government.
States have their own archives. You can find their contact information at the Archives Library Information Center.
- Library of Congress | Research and Reference ServicesThe national library of the United States has a large collection available for research.
- National ArchivesThe United States National Archives is charged with the preservation and documentation of the government and historical records.
- Smithsonian Institution ArchivesThe Archives holds records that document the Smithsonian’s people, events, buildings, and research. The history of the Smithsonian is a vital part of the history of American experience, scientific exploration, and international cultural understanding.
Visiting an Archives
Once you have arrived at an archives, here are a few things to consider to maximize your time and efficiency, and to help the research process go smoothly:
Prioritize your requests: What are the materials that would be most helpful for you to view? Make plans to see those first and ask the archival staff for them promptly to ensure you have time to see them. This is especially important for materials you would not be able to get anywhere else. Do you have any questions that need to be addressed before other work can be done? Tackle those first.
Balance your work flow with the policies of the archives: After familiarizing yourself with the policies of an archives, you can better adapt your work flow to those criteria when conducting your research.
Examples: Will certain materials take time to retrieve? Do photocopy requests need to be submitted twenty-four hours in advance? Planning to have some materials to view while you wait for others to arrive, and submitting your photocopy request the day before your departure, helps you meet your research goals and honors the policies outlined by the archives.
Ask for assistance: The archival staff is there to help you. If you have questions, ask them. You are your first and best advocate for accomplishing your goals.
Bring appropriate supplies: Have pencils, notepaper, and a pencil sharpener handy. Some archives may provide these things for you, but do not assume they will be provided. Carry a magnifying glass in case you run across difficult handwriting or need to examine some small detail. And since books and papers are better preserved in cooler temperatures, archives can sometimes be on the chilly side. Have a lightweight sweater on hand in case you get cold.
Take thorough citations: While you are working, make sure to take full citations for the materials you are viewing, including any unique identification assigned to the materials by the archives such as the call number, collection title, etc. If you need to go back and reference something in those materials again, or if another researcher is later trying to track your sources from a published work, this will help the archival staff locate the materials.
Point out corrections: Mistakes or omissions sometimes occur in finding aids, websites, and descriptions of materials. If you, the researcher, notice some of these errors or are an expert in a particular area and can fill in some information gaps, point those out to the archival staff. If possible, cite another authoritative source to support your corrections.
Connect with other researchers: Archives are unique places where specialists gather from all over the world. Introduce yourself to other researchers and see if anyone else shares your topic of interest. You never know what future benefits can come from a smile and a greeting. Also, inform the archival staff if you are looking to locate other researchers working on your research topic. They may be able to connect you with people who share your interests. However, note that archivists keep researcher names, projects, and material request records confidential and will not divulge such information without consent.
From Using Archives: A Guide to Effective Research by the Society of American Archivists