The contents of a collection are not indexed item by item but rather at a folder level. The finding aids describing the collections in more detail are only available in the library. When conducting research in an archives large blocks of time are much more useful than short stints. We recommend a visit of at least a couple of hours. It also helps to begin your archival research by carefully formulating the questions you are trying to answer and having already done some reading in secondary published sources if possible.
Research is a process.
Our policies on use stem in part from our concerns about security and preservation. It is because the majority of the library's holdings are irreplaceable that it is important they be preserved. Please refer to the Guide to Use if you are considering a visit to the Bentley Library. The reference staff is eager to offer assistance, especially if you have never visited an archives before.