An archive is a repository for unique records of enduring value. Records housed in archives are often one of a kind or at least are very difficult to replace if lost, stolen, or destroyed. Archives are designed to provide users with access to the records while maintaining a stable environment for their protection. Records are often kept in collections which are a grouping of related material that are most often created by a single individual or organization. Documents from two or more collections on similar subjects are never mixed and the original order the collection arrived in is maintained in most circumstances.
Collections can range in size from a single sheet of paper to thousands of feet of material.
The media and formats of the records vary as well. Thus, a visit to an archive can prove to be a multifaceted experience. As many archives do not loan their materials and do not have extended hours past 5 o'clock, the time a researcher needs to locate and study records can be constrained. Thus, it is beneficial to know the most about your subject before you enter an archive. Through the use of secondary sources such as books, encyclopedias and journal articles, a wider knowledge and greater focus on the subject can be attained.