How can archival research improve your social media communication?

1 What is archival research?

Archival research is a type of qualitative research that involves exploring and examining historical documents, records, artifacts, or other sources that are preserved in archives or similar institutions. Archival research can help you answer questions, test hypotheses, or generate new ideas about a topic or issue. Archival research can also help you understand the context, background, and significance of historical events, people, or phenomena.

3 How to find archival sources?

To find archival sources, you need to identify and locate the archives or institutions that hold the sources that are relevant to your topic. You can use online databases, catalogs, guides, or directories to search for archives or collections that match your keywords, criteria, or interests. You can also contact the archivists or staff of the archives to ask for assistance, advice, or recommendations. Once you find the archives or institutions that you want to visit, you need to check their policies, procedures, and availability. You may need to make an appointment, request access, or follow certain rules or regulations to access the sources.

4 How to analyze archival sources?

To analyze archival sources, it is necessary to employ critical thinking and interpretive skills to evaluate and comprehend them. You should contemplate what the source is, who created it, when and where it was created, why it was created, how it was created, what it says, and how it relates to your topic. Such questions will help you determine the type of document or record, the background of the creator, the historical and geographical context of the source, the intention behind its creation, the method used to create it, its content and message, as well as its relevance for your topic.

5 How to use archival sources for social media communication?

Using archival sources for social media communication requires selecting and presenting sources that are suitable, interesting, and appropriate for your audience, platform, and goal. You need to ensure the sources are relevant, accurate, reliable, engaging, appealing, and accessible. They should also be diverse, balanced, and respectful. Additionally, it's important to cite or reference the sources properly and explain or contextualize them clearly. Inviting feedback or interaction from your audience is also essential. Doing so will help you acknowledge the original source, author, or institution while following ethical and legal guidelines for using archival sources.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?