For more information on our collections and using finding aids visit https://research.auctr.edu/findingaids

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What types of collections can I find in the Archives Research Center?
   1. The Archives Research Center’s collections primarily document the African American experience through civil rights, race relations, education, literature, visual and performing arts, religion, politics, and social work.
   2. Find out more information about the Archives Research Center and our collections by visiting www.auctr.edu/archives.
2. What is a finding aid?
   1. Finding aids act as inventories that describe and list the contents of collections and contain information about the person, family, or organization that created the collection. Through the Archives Research Center finding aids website, you will be able to search and browse finding aids for more than 150 collections available for research.
3. How do I get started?
   1. Get started by typing a keyword into the search bar or by browsing collections, digital materials, unprocessed material, subjects, or names. Use the dropdown menus to narrow your search or click the ➕ to create an advanced search.
4. How do I search for materials related to my research/project?
   1. To search our collections, begin by using the Search box on the home page for our finding aids.
      For a simple search, enter a keyword, person, place, or subject and click the “Search” button.
      We recommend that you search for materials like you are doing a database search:
      1. Use quotation marks and asterisks [✱]
      2. Can limit to collections or digital materials
      3. Can search by Keyword, Title, Subject, and Notes
      4. Can search by date
      5. Use the ➕ to do an advanced search using AND, OR, NOT
5. What are Unprocessed Materials?
   1. Unprocessed materials are collections housed in the Archives Research Center that aren’t fully organized and only available for research on a very limited basis. If you are interested in one of these collections, please contact the Head of the Archives Research Center at archives@auctr.edu with the name of the unprocessed material you would like to view.
6. How do I search within a collection?
   1. Use “Search within collection” on the right hand side of the page to search within a finding aid. Results will display folders and series, wherever the search term appears.
7. How do I filter my results?
   1. There are several ways to narrow down your search results: Sort, Filter Results, Filter by Date, and Additional Filters
      1. Sort: Results sort by relevance to your search. Results can also be sorted by title and date
      2. Filter Results: Can type keywords into the search box
      3. Filter by Date: Can add dates to your search
      4. Additional Filters: Can filter by type of record, subjects, and names
8. I am not finding what I want. What should I do?
   1. Try expanding your search by using broader terms. Try using alternative keywords or broadening the time frame. If you need help, contact the archives to assist you in your search.
9. How do I cite something?
   1. Click the “Citation” button in the top right corner of the screen to generate a citation in the proper format. Use the "Copy to clipboard" button to copy the citation. For more information on how to cite archival materials see our research guide.
10. How do I search for digital materials?
    1. For information on how to search our digital materials, view the video below.
       
    2. Find more information by visiting the guide on digital materials.
11. How do I request materials to view during my appointment?
    1. For information on how to request materials using the Request button, view the video below.
       
    2. Find more information by visiting the guide on requesting materials
12. What if I cannot visit the archives?
    1. If you are unable to visit the archives, please contact us. We may be able to provide photocopies of your requested materials for a fee. However, we are unable to photocopy an entire collection. Please provide collection name(s), box and folder numbers for the materials you are requesting. You may also hire an independent researcher to conduct your research. Contact the archives for a list of researchers.
13. How can I access materials during COVID-19?
    1. View our digital materials via this website or the website: radar.auctr.edu. If you find materials that are not available online, please contact us at archives@auctr.edu. We may be able to provide photocopies of your requested materials for a fee. However, we are unable to photocopy an entire collection. Please provide collection name(s), box and folder numbers for the materials you are requesting.