Papers of politicians form some of the largest collections. Other occupations represented include educators, doctors, religious leaders, women's rights activists, and scientists. The division also holds papers of organizations such as fraternal societies, literary guilds, churches, ethnic groups, and clubs. Our reference staff will be glad to answer specific questions about our holdings. Click here for descriptions of some collections useful in historical and genealogical research .
Many collections also have more detailed narrative finding aids or container lists.
Because manuscript collections may contain thousands of documents it is not possible to catalog every item. If an item is particularly unique or significant it may be cataloged individually. Non-microfilmed records can only be used in the Research Room, but most of the 1600 rolls of manuscripts on microfilm are available through interlibrary loan for use at public, college, or other libraries. Reference staff can provide information about specific collections. Some of the microfilm is of collections with high research value, some is of collections that were filmed to preserve the originals, and some is of collections that have been microfilmed in response to researchers' requests.