How can you create an archival research plan for your library?

1 Identify your research question

The first step in creating an archival research plan is to identify your research question. What do you want to learn from the archival sources? How does it relate to your broader topic or project? What kind of evidence are you looking for? Your research question should be clear, focused, and specific, but also flexible enough to adapt to new findings and perspectives. A good research question will help you narrow down your search, guide your analysis, and structure your argument.

2 Find relevant archives and collections

The next step is to find the archives and collections that hold the records and documents that are relevant to your research question. You can use online catalogs, databases, guides, directories, and bibliographies to locate potential sources of archival material. You can also consult librarians, archivists, professors, and other experts for recommendations and advice. Once you have identified some archives and collections that interest you, you should familiarize yourself with their policies, procedures, hours, and services. You should also contact them in advance to confirm their availability, request access, and make appointments if necessary.

3 Prepare for your visit

The third step is to prepare for your visit to the archive. You should review your research question and objectives, and make a list of the records and documents that you want to examine. You should also prepare the tools and materials that you will need for your research, such as a laptop, a camera, a notebook, a pencil, and a flash drive. You should also familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of the archive, such as how to handle the materials, how to cite the sources, and how to obtain copies or permissions. You should also plan your time and budget accordingly, and be ready to adjust your expectations and strategies if needed.

4 Conduct your research

The fourth step is to conduct your research at the archive. You should arrive early, check in with the staff, and follow their instructions. You should also be respectful, courteous, and professional with the archivists and other researchers. You should carefully examine the records and documents that you have selected, and take notes, photographs, or copies as allowed. You should also keep track of the provenance, context, and content of the sources, and record their identification information. You should also evaluate the sources critically, and compare and contrast them with other sources and perspectives. You should also be open to discovering new information and insights, and revising your research question if necessary.

5 Organize and analyze your data

The fifth step is to organize and analyze your data after your visit to the archive. You should sort, label, and store your notes, photographs, or copies in a secure and accessible way. You should also review your data and check for accuracy, completeness, and consistency. You should also synthesize your data and identify the main themes, patterns, and arguments that emerge from your sources. You should also relate your data to your research question and objectives, and evaluate how they support or challenge your thesis. You should also acknowledge the limitations, gaps, and biases of your data, and consider the implications and significance of your findings.

6 Communicate and share your results

The sixth and final step is to communicate and share your results with your audience. You should present your results in a clear, coherent, and convincing way, using the appropriate format, style, and tone. You should also cite your sources properly, using the preferred citation style and system. You should also acknowledge the archive and the archivists that helped you with your research, and thank them for their assistance and cooperation. You should also share your results with other researchers, librarians, or interested parties, and seek feedback and suggestions for improvement. You should also reflect on your research experience and identify the lessons learned and the skills developed.

7 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?