1. Using archives for dissertations

2. What are archives?

3. Different kinds of archives

4. What are archives? • 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 • Key is the creator or creating body • Who might have created the record? Where might it be? • Remember to think around the subject • Remember… • not everything has survived • not everything is kept • not everything is easy to find An example

5. Where do I start? • Secondary sources • Databases and online resources • Other media • Tutors

6. Researching: finding archival material Archive catalogues • Each archive will have own catalogue • Not all online • Not all complete • National Archives – Search the Archives • Access to Archives • ARCHON

7. Researching: finding archive material Own material Other collections

8. Access to Archives (A2A)

10. National Register of Archives

11. ARCHON

13. Choosing a topic: things to bear in mind • Will you be able to read the sources? • Styles of writing/palaeography • Are there any alternatives? E.g. calendars, transcripts, translations etc • Might not be in English • Might not be released • Will you be able to get access to the sources?

14. Visiting an archive Contact before visit • Opening times, ID, facilities, advance ordering Go prepared • Paper, pencils, laptop, camera, references • Clothes – choose carefully! Be organised • Check references, take full notes • Ask for help

15. How archives can help • Finding material • Links with other institutions • Handling the material • Using the material and the resources • Contact: Sarah Price – sarah.price@durham.ac.uk