Working in Archives

The session is for those who have recently begun, or are about to begin, to use archives in their research. An overriding aim is to help researchers develop effective strategies for exploring their subjects. Archives are not simply passive repositories of information but bear the imprint of historical process and accident. Thinking about the nature of the archive itself can throw light on the cultural and historical context of the topic being investigated. A number of questions can be explored. What is an ‘archive’? How does it differ from ‘records’ or ‘documents’? Is there a wider view of materials from the past which might be comprehended by the term ‘archive’? Why were certain archives created? How have they survived? How do you formulate a strategy for finding the information that you think you need? What role can random exploration play? Participants are encouraged to come to the session prepared to talk and raise questions about their own experiences.