Archives, rare book libraries, and special collections departments contain a mix of primary and secondary sources.
Because archival collections contain unique materials, they do not circulate like other library holdings. Archives usually have special procedures for using, copying, and citing archival materials.
Types of archival records include: personal papers, family papers, organizational records, oral histories, images, films, newspapers, city directories, maps, and governmental records.
Guides to archival collections are called finding aids.
Here are some resources about doing research in archives and special collections departments:
Doing Archival Research
Where to Find Archival Data
LibGuide for Primary Source Research
Society of American Archivists: Using Archives - A Guide to Effective Research
Society of American Archivists: Copyright and Unpublished Materials
