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Historic collections for researchers (November 2013)
The document provides an overview of historic collections, detailing their significance and various types, including national archives, university collections, and private papers. It offers guidance on locating and accessing archival materials, including useful websites and search strategies, while highlighting the importance of understanding copyright laws and the Freedom of Information Act. Researchers are advised on practical tips for using archives effectively and preparing for visits.
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Historic collections for researchers (November 2013)
- 1. Historic collections for researchers SarahPrice and Richard Pears
- 2. What are historiccollections?
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- 5. Why use them? “Takeaway from history why, how and to what end things have been done, and whether the thing done hath succeeded according to reason; and all that remains will be an idle sport and foolery, than a profitable instruction; and though for the present it may delight, for the future it cannot profit.”
- 6. Using historic collections • • • • • • • • Findingprinted secondary material Finding archive material – key things to remember Useful websites and portals for archives Finding and accessing printed material Online resources Pathways in archives Tips for using archives Copyright and Freedom of Information
- 7. Finding material: whereto start? • Secondary reading – Bibliographies – Footnotes/references • Reference works – Bibliographies – Guides – Online guides • Tutors
- 8. Finding secondary sources •Catalogues for monographs • Bibliographic databases for journal articles and reviews e.g. Historical Abstracts, Jstor, IBSS • Theses e.g. Index to theses, EThOS • Access by visiting (SCONUL Access) or borrowing (Document Delivery Service)
- 9. The archive environment TheNational Archives Records of central government and the central criminal courts Other Nationals British Library, Houses of Parliament, etc. County Record Offices Records relating to the administration of the historic county and other local material University archives Material collected to support research and teaching and other material related to the administration of the University Specialist archives For example, businesses, charities, churches, organisations, etc. Private and family collections Papers relating to families, individuals, estates etc
- 10. Finding archival material •Not organised/categorised in the same way as books – Don’t fall into neat categories – How they have been collected or created is part of their story General Strike • Key is the creator or creating body – Who might have created the record? Where might it be? – Remember to think around the subject Local coal records • Remember… – not everything has survived – not everything is kept – not everything is easy to find County Record Office
- 11. Finding archival material Archivecatalogues • Each archive will have own catalogue – Not all online – Not all complete Durham University Special Collections Useful sites • • • • National Archives – Search the Archives Access to Archives National Register of Archives ARCHON
- 12. Finding archival material Searchstrategies • Think laterally • Combine search terms – Boolean searching • Use wild card/fuzzy searches Finding material • Locally held copies • Printed sources • Online sources – many from Library catalogue
- 13. Online resources • Diaries,manuscripts rare books, newspapers (articles, adverts, images, obituaries), photographs, historic interviews in film or transcription • Digitised as text or, more often, as an image • Varying quality • Varying ability to search – many rely on the record
- 14. Accessing online resources •Catalogue http://library.dur.ac.uk/ • Definitive listing www.dur.ac.uk/library/resources/online/databases/ • Filter by resource-type www.dur.ac.uk/library/resources/online/ • Subject filter www.dur.ac.uk/library/resources/subject/ for your own subject area www.dur.ac.uk/library/history for historic resources
- 15. Full text onlinecollections Foreign Broadcast Information Service Times Digital Archive Archival sound recordings MEMSO Full text 19th century periodicals Tudor State Papers Mass observation online House of Commons Papers
- 16. E-books as primarysources Google Books ECCO Patrologia Latina Medieval sources online ebooks EEBO The Latin Library Broadside Ballads Gallica
- 17. Accessing printed books •Rare books held in archives but listed in library catalogues • Main collections in Durham University Library catalogue and listed on Special Collections pages • Some collections at other institutions in COPAC • Printed collections of sources or translations
- 18. Pathways in archives Local events andinfo News and journals Local politics & govt Local business info Radical Politics Trials and other legal papers National outlook Pamphlets and periodicals
- 19. Pathways and journeys Diaries Policerecords Local National Newspapers Parish records Business records
- 20. Useful tips forworking in archives Contact before visit • Opening times, ID, facilities, advance ordering Go prepared • Paper, pencils, laptop, camera, references • Wear/take warm clothes Be organised • Check references, take full notes • Ask for help
- 21. Understanding archival references HO42/95 f.375 Collection = Home Office Division = Domestic Correspondence Subdivision = part year 1808 Folio HO 42: The National Archives, Home Office, Domestic Correspondence, George III
- 22. Copyright • Archival materialis still subject to copyright law • Some records are restricted – check! • Normally okay to cite in research without permission • Situation will change if work is being published (theses count!)
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- 24. Freedom of Information •FOI Act passed in 2000 and came into full effect from 2005 • Information is assumed to be ‘open’ unless one of the specified exemptions applies • Anyone can send in a written request • Is a right of appeal
- 25. Useful links National Registerof Archives www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/nra/default.asp Access 2 Archives http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/ ARCHON http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archon/
Editor's Notes
- #9 Catalogues, already mentioned COPAC also WorldCat Theses – said secondary but also older theses that may well form part of primary sources
- #16 Demo Times digital archive and Mass Observation – hover over circle for hyperlink (done by creating a transparent circle)
- #17 American Council of Learned Societies
- #18 The University Library holds over 60,000 pre-1850 printed works. Its collections are richest for the16th and 17th century but also include over 200 incunabula (books printed in the 15th century) and aconsiderable range of 18th century material.Rare books held in archives but listed in library cataloguesMain collections in Durham University Library catalogue and listed on Special Collections pagesSome collections at other institutions in COPACPrinted collections of sources or translations e.g. Surtees Society, Camden MiscellanyDDS for non-unique, probably more modern collections of sources