Both contribute to a collection's preservation, security, and accessibility for research use. Once collections are processed, they are made available within established guidelines to interested scholars in the Manuscript Division Reading Room. Professional librarians and subject specialists are available to advise patrons about new avenues of research, direct them to relevant source materials, and answer reference queries about the division's holdings. The LWV evolved from the National American Woman Suffrage Association, and the Library holds the papers of both groups and of many of their leaders. Maud Wood Park Papers Mining the treasures of the Manuscript Division is a lifelong pursuit for researchers and staff alike.
Longtime employees are constantly amazed by both the documented riches and the unexpected finds.
The thrill of discovering the unknown, the excitement of handling famous documents, and the feeling of connectedness with people and events of the past are among the most satisfying aspects of archival work. Through the Library's diverse collection of manuscripts, history comes alive, attaining an immediacy that is both unique and rewarding for anyone who ventures into the Manuscript Division's holdings. The style and modes of expression differ markedly, but whether eloquent or crude, these manuscripts transport the reader to a time and place that may be radically different from the present or, conversely, seem either frighteningly or comfortingly familiar. By collecting, preserving, and making available for research use documents of the American past, the Manuscript Division promotes the pursuit of knowledge that is central to all great civilizations. We are proud to serve as custodians of the nation's historical legacy and invite you to learn more about the division's holdings in the following pages.