Most manuscript and archival collections have a finding aid, or collection inventory, that provides more detailed information about the collection, including a list of the boxes and volumes contained in the collection.
Collections vary in size from one volume to hundreds of boxes.
The finding aid will help narrow down what portions of the collection may be relevant to your research project. Researchers will either need to consult the collection finding aid in the Historical Collections Reading Room or obtain a copy before visiting in order to determine what specific collection materials to order. Obtaining Copies of Finding Aids All finding aids and inventories for the Historical Collections Department are available in the Historical Collections Reading Room. Photocopies of finding aids can be sent to researchers upon request. For more information or to request copies, please contact the Historical Collections reference staff.