Finding and Using Archives
In May 2021 we focused on Finding Data in Documents and Datasets. Explore the whole 2021 series on stages of the research process: Finding the Question, Choosing Methodology and Methods, Designing an Ethical Study, and Collecting Data from & with Participants.
In today's world, documents and artifacts are being scanned and photographed, and made available online. The the Society of American Archivists, a professional association dedicated to the needs and interests of archives and archivists, has put together an open-access resource that can help you get started. See Using Archives A Guide to Effective Research by Laura Schmidt.
What archives are openly available online?
While many archives require subscriptions, institutional affiliation or permission to access them, you can find openly-available online archives that might contain relevant primary source materials. Here are a few examples:
Government Archives contain public records, census and other reports.
National Archives (UK)
Archives Nationales (France)
Museum Archives contain examples from their collections, records of exhibitions, and related materials.
Metropolitan Museum of Art (and free publications)
National Libraries contain links to archived publications, media, and historical materials.
More Methodspace Posts about Archival Research
Learn about using mixed methods with secondary data.
The new open-access Protests Against Racism Web Archive from the Library of Congress contains a selection of websites documenting protests against racism and police brutality against Black people. Also find resources about using archival data in your research.
Find multidisciplinary historical and contemporary resources to use when researching Hispanic heritage.
“Women’s Equality Day,” honors the August 26, 1920 passage of the US Constitutional Amendment allowing women to vote, the 1965 US Voting Rights Act that enabled Black women to vote, the 1928 UK Representation of the People Act that entitled everyone over the age of 21 to vote, and legislation for gender equality everywhere.
Juneteenth is a uniquely American holiday, with a rich history relevant to those fighting for equity and justice today. Find original source materials and learn how to use them in your research.
Dr. Kara discusses the usefulness of secondary data.
This guest post from Dr. Malcolm Tight walks you through key steps for conducting research with documents-- on or offline.
How can you collect and analyze text you find online?
What is archival research like in the digital age? When do you need to visit a physical archives and look through paper documents?
Find an open-access guide to archival research and links to archives you can visit online.
Thomas describes her research experience with diary methods.
What is archival research, and why is it useful for social researchers?
What kinds of documents or archived materials fit your study?
Letters are a unique form of narrative. Learn how to use them in your research.
Learn about qualitative data analysis approaches for narrative and diary research in these open access articles.