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Archival Research Tutorial: Check list

Archival materials give you direct access to the time or event you are studying. The goal of this guide is to help you conduct research at the Clara Thomas Archives & Special Collections at York University Libraries.

Research check list

We hope that you now have the tools and information you need to feel comfortable finding, using and understanding archival records and collections. Here's a checklist to use to help keep you on track. If you have any questions left unanswered, please feel free to contact staff at Archives and Special Collections at 416-736-5442.

After reviewing this tutorial you should be aware of:

How to choose and focus your topic

  • choose your topic
  • focus and define your topic - ask questions: Who, What, Where, When
  • create a work plan and confirm your assignment due date
  • take into consideration the length of your assignment


How to do background research

  • use reference materials
  • study the footnotes and bibliographies of the reference sources
  • to find books on your topic, do a keyword search in your library catalogue
  • search for articles in a journal index or databasespeak with a reference librarian, professor, TA or scholar


The differences between libraries and archives

  • Key idea: Archives contain records, not books


Some basic facts about archives

  • Overview of the brief history of archives
  • Definition of fonds
  • Discussion of archival principles: provenance and original order


How to read a finding aid
      Discussion of the 4 sections of a finding aid:
            1. Introduction
            2. Title, dates, extent
            3. Biographical sketch/ administrative history
            4. Scope and content notes

How to find an archives

  • Canada's Total Archives tradition
  • Links to searching tools created by Canadian archival institutions


What to expect when you visit the archives

  • Closed stacks
  • Registration
  • Care and handling of materials
  • Timing


Overview of policies such as photocopying and copyright

Tips for a successful visit to the archives

Before you visit:

  • Focus and refine your topic
  • Do your background research
  • Search for appropriate archives to visit
  • Check the hours to make sure that the archives is open and accepting research appointments
  • Browse the website of the archives. You will often find very useful information about the collection you are interested in researching. Sometimes, you may find an A-Z listing of online finding aids to the institution’s archival collections.
  • Contact the archives or library to book an appointment
  • Bring some cash for photocopying, or bring a camera and ask if you are able to take photographs of materials.

When you visit:

  • Expect to Check-in at Scott Library entrance, no admittance to CTASC without an appointment
  • Expect to register as a reader - done online in advance when booking appointment - information verified at research appointment
  • Bring a piece of photo identification (like your driver's licence or YU card)
  • Have patience, we are all adjusting to new workflows