Before You Get Here

1
Using the Archives

• Before You Get Here

2
Steps to Prepare

• Step One Decide on a research topic
• Step Two Make an appointment
• Step Three Gather supplies you will need
• Step Four Leave some items at home

3
Step One Choose a Topic

• Before you call to make your appointment, know
  what you want to research.
• If your assignment is on World War II, dont
  expect the archivist to find you all the
  possible information available on WWII.
• Narrow your focus to topics such as World War II
  Insignia or World War II Medical Practices
• If you are not sure how to narrow your topic
  contact the College Archivist for a reference
  consultation before your research appointment
  (this can be conducted in person, through email,
  or over the phone)
• Use the Archives website to familiarize yourself
  with the materials available http//www.colby-saw
  yer.edu/information/library/archives/index.html

4
Step Two Make an Appointment

• Making an appointment is easy
• Just call, email, or stop by the archivists
  office to set up a date and time for you to
  conduct your research (the archivist can help you
  assess how much time you will need for your
  project).
• Appointments must be made 24 hours in advance
• Contact info
• Kelli Bogan
• kbogan_at_colby-sawyer.edu
• x3360 (or 603 526-3360 if youre off campus)
• Office is located off of the Archives Reading
  Room off of the library (entrance next to Help
  Desk office)

5
Step Three Getting Ready

• Before your appointment
• Review Archives policies about research and
  access to materials http//www.colby-sawyer.edu/i
  nformation/library/archives/guidelines.html
• On the day of your appointment
• Make sure you bring a notebook and pencil or your
  laptop to take notes on. The archivist will not
  supply these materials.
• Bring any assignment information that you need.

6
Step Four What Not to Bring

• Because of the delicate nature of many materials
  in the Archives, there are restrictions about
  what you can bring to your research appointment.
• Do not bring
• Pens (use pencils to write your notes)
• Liquids or foods
• Cameras or scanning technologies (arrangements
  can be made for scanned copies of materials, but
  you may not make your own without permission from
  the archivist)
• All coats, handbags, knapsacks, and briefcases
  must be left outside of the Reading Room or
  stored in the archivists office during research.
  The college is not responsible for lost or
  stolen items.