What are archives?
Archives exist as a form of memory work as they seek to preserve the past while maintaining an eye toward purposeful collecting in the future. This can take on a variety of different formats, from media such as records, DVDs and microfilm, to letters, essays and other writings. Physical objects, photographs and personal memorabilia can also be considered of archival quality and help to flesh out the overall thematic representation of the archive. The breadth of archives are as unique and diverse as those who contribute to and create them; some are intensely personal while others document the history of an institution, historic individual or time period.
At MTSU, our archival collections document materials that expand upon the rare book holdings of Special Collections. Our holdings contain background information on local history, equine and equestrian materials, and a growing collection of archival materials centered around distilling, fermenting, and brewing.
Many of our archival collections are actively accepting donations and will continue to grow in time. To access our archival material, you will need to use a finding aid. This page provides some basic instruction on using our finding aids, as well as access to them. Special Collections staff are available to answer questions and assist researchers with using our finding aids and locating archival materials in our collections.
Special Collections staff are available to answer questions and assist researchers on using our finding aids and locating archival materials in our collections.
In our online catalog, you may encounter a reference to something called a finding aid. A finding aid is a detailed document prepared by archivists or librarians that informs researchers about an archival or manuscript collection. It provides more information than a library or database catalog record. The finding aid tells you what you can expect if you choose to conduct research within that collection.
The finding aid gives researchers an understanding of
It is important to review the finding aid before you go to the archive in person to consult a collection. It is not necessary to read it from beginning to end, like an article.
Some of our finding aids are available online through the catalog and others are available through our webpage and LibGuide. You might have questions about the collection or the finding aid. We are available to assist you in understanding the finding and the collection. You may stop in to Special Collections in-person or ask your question via email.
