Identifying Possible Repositories There are a substantial number of repositories around the world that collect anthropological materials. Each one has guidelines which define the parameters of acquisitions. A common first step is to check the organization with which one is mostly closely affiliated. For example, if you are affiliated with an academic institution, check to see if there is an archive, library, museum, or institute within that institution that collects materials related to your research. If not, check for repositories matching the subject matter or geographical setting.
Many repositories are quite subject-specific.
Records might also be appropriately deposited with an organization local to where the work was done. The records of individual anthropologists are often located in multiple places. This situation is exacerbated by the lack of a central listing or database. As a result, researchers frequently have difficulty locating archival materials. To ease these location challenges, it is important to look for a repository that other researchers will associate with your work, either by institution, geography, or subject.