Archives
From Simmons Library Research Guides
We have selected these resources to help you find relevant information on your research topic. Please contact a librarian for help using the resources listed in this guide or for help with your research process.
Contents |
Reference and Background Information
Search for Reference sources that contain information about your specific research topic here:
You may also consult the resources below for overviews of the topic that you have chosen to research. Use these resources to help you to put your topic in context and give you the big picture of what information exists about your topic. These resources may have bibliographies at the end of each entry that can help further your research.
- Glossary of Archival and Records Terminology
Level 1 Reference CD945 .P43 2005
- Library, Media, and Archival Preservation Glossary
Level 1 Reference Z701 .D454 1992
- Sample Forms for Archival and Records Management Programs
Level 1 Reference CD950 .S26 2002
Archival Collections and Documents
- ArchiveGrid
Simmons Eresource (See a Librarian for Password)
A current directory of over 5,500 repositories and over 141,178 collections of primary source material across the United States. Repository records provide detailed information including phone and fax numbers, hours of service, materials solicited, email and home page URLs when available. Each collection record links to its corresponding repository record, simplifying the research process.
- ArchivesUSA
Simmons Eresource
- National Union Catalog (NUC) Manuscript Collection
Level 1 Books: NUC Manuscript Collection and Free Online
Finding Articles
Below are suggested databases and indexes for articles on the topic that you have chosen to research. These databases include articles from newspapers, magazines and scholarly journals. Articles are shorter and more narrowly focused than books or reference materials so you should use them after you have narrowed your topic.
- Library and Information Science Abstracts (LISA)
Level 1 Reference Z671 .L6 and Simmons Eresource
LISA is a library and information science specific database that indexes over 440 periodicals from around the world in more than 20 different languages. It covers all areas of library and information science, including technology, library management, technical and public services, and book reviews.
- Library Literature & Information Science Full Text
Level 1 Reference Z666 .L44 and Simmons Eresource
This database focuses on trends in the library and information science field. It includes indexing and much full text of relevant English and foreign-language periodicals, selected state journals, conference proceedings, pamphlets, books, and library school theses, plus over 300 books per year.
- LISTA
Level G Periodicals Z699.A1 D6 and Simmons Eresource
LISTA is a library science database with a large emphasis on technology and information sciences. Technology subjects include online information retrieval, electronic publishing, and information management, along with many others. LISTA indexes journal articles from more than 600 publications plus books, research reports, and conference proceedings. Whether you are interested in library science or computer science, it is a valuable tool.
- America: History and Life
Simmons Eresource
This database, which is incredibly user-friendly, contains articles and abstracts from articles, reviews, and dissertations about the history and culture of the United States and Canada from prehistoric times to the present.
- Historical Abstracts
Simmons Eresource
This database is a very useful place to turn for citations and abstracts from articles, books, and dissertations. The focus is world history (excluding North America) from 1450 to the present.
- Current Awareness Abstracts of Library and Information Management Literature
Level 1 Reference Z671 .C8
This print resource includes indexing of articles about major library and information science management topics, including librarianship/information management, academic/non-academic libraries, records management/archives, serials management, indexing, web site searching/management, legislation, databases, publishing/book trade, financial management, organization and administration, service operations, buildings/equipment/furniture, image processing, communications, careers and, education. Simmons collection covers 1992- present.
- Dissertations and Theses Fulltext
Simmons Eresource
The single, central, authoritative resource for information about doctoral dissertations and master's theses, including indexing and abstracts of dissertations published from 1980 forward and Master's theses published from 1988 forward.
- Academic Search Complete
Simmons Eresource
Academic Search Complete is a great place to start your search for both popular and scholarly articles, no matter what your topic is! It contains journals from almost every topic and is designed specifically for academic institutions. It provides more than 5,300 full-text periodicals, 4,400 of which are peer-reviewed journals. This resource also features content as far back as 1865.
- Academic Onefile
Simmons Eresource
Academic Onefile contains 8,000 academic journals, the majority in full-text, available in HTML and PDF formats. In addition it contains hundreds of podcasts and transcripts from NPR, CNN, and the CBC.
- Expanded Academic ASAP
Simmons Eresource
From arts and the humanities to social sciences, science and technology, this database meets research needs across all academic disciplines. Access scholarly journals, news magazines, and newspapers - many with full text and images. Updated daily.
TIP: Use the Advanced Search for a more precise search!
- Art and Archeology Technical Abstracts (AATA)
Free Online
A comprehensive database of over 100,000 abstracts of literature related to the preservation and conservation of material cultural heritage.
- Humanities Fulltext
Simmons Eresource
A database of article citations on topics in the Humanities, some available full-text. Includes content from more than 300 key humanities publications, including feature articles, book reviews, interviews, obituaries, bibliographies, original works of fiction (including dramas and poems), and reviews of plays, operas, ballets, dance, musicals, movies, and television and radio programs.
Searching the Web
Tips for Searching the Internet:
- Use the advanced search function, which is available from most search engines:
- Google - See also "Advanced Search Tips"
- Ask - Click "Advanced." See also "Advanced Search Tips"
- Live (MSN) - See also "Options"
- Exalead - See also "Exalead FAQ"
- Yahoo! Search
- Limit your search to .edu and .gov sites. These often provide quality research, statistics, and commentary. Sites ending in .org often have good information, too, but are likely to espouse a strong stance or bias on the issues they cover and may not be objective.
- Try Scandoo, which presents search results from Google, Yahoo! Search, or Live (MSN) with an evaluation about the objectivity, credibility, and overall reliability of the site.
- Consider using a directory of pre-screened, annotated sites:
Writing Style and Citation
For more information on style and citation for this discipline, please contact the Simmons College Writing Center
You may also consider consulting these resources:
- Writing Resources
Free Online
The Writing Center provides online resources for citing your research. If you are unsure of which citation style to use, consult your professor and consider the following:- Use APA (American Psychological Association) when your topic is in the Social Sciences
- Use ASA (American Sociological Association) when your topic is in Sociology
- Use MLA (Modern Language Association) when your topic is in the Humanities
- Use Chicago/Turabian when your topic is in Literature, History or the Arts
- Use CSE (Council of Science Editors) when your topic is in the Sciences
- RefWorks
Simmons Eresource
RefWorks is a great program for organizing articles, books, and other materials you need for research. You can also use RefWorks to create bibliographies, create in text citations in your paper (Write-N-Cite), and share your research with others. Access RefWorks from the A-Z list of resources on the library's web page, and then follow the instructions to create your own username and password. We hold RefWorks Clinics throughout the semester. For more information, ask a reference librarian
Related Topics
History
Library Science
Primary Resources
Class-Specific Resources
Archives Journals in the GSLIS Collection: Holdings and Access
Archives Journal Descriptions
