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Archival Research Tutorial: Research before your research

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.

Archives Vocabulary

Unfamiliar with archival terminology?

Here are some links to resources that may be of use:

Research before research

Archival materials give you direct access to the time or event you are studying. Using archival materials can help you:

  • better understand your topic;
  • apply your knowledge and experience in a specific area;
  • develop your own ideas;
  • gain a sense of "reality" about your project.

Finding relevant archival materials is a new process for many researchers. The goal of this guide is to help you conduct research at Archives and Special Collections. We will go through the research process from choosing a topic and getting started to arranging your visit.

If this is your first time searching for primary resources and/or working with archival materials, you may follow the guide as organized.

Or, feel free to go directly to the relevant section.

Good luck!

If you have any questions about this guide or need more information about researching contact us directly at the Clara Thomas Archives & Special Collections.