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University of Wyoming
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Reference Services Research Tips

Practical Advice for Researching  

  1. Items in the archive may not be checked out. Copying machines are available - copies are ten cents per page plus tax.
  2. If possible, check secondary sources on your topic before visiting the archives. It is best to have background information and facts before you begin researching primary sources.
  3. Plan ahead! Doing research in the archives can be time-consuming, so use your time wisely. Do not wait until the last minute to begin your project.
  4. Occasionally the Reading Room gets very busy. This may mean that it will take longer for staff to retrieve your materials. Plan ahead for lag time by checking other finding aids, or bring reading material related to your topic with you.
  5. If you will be using a collection for more than one visit, let the Reading Room supervisor know so that we can hold it for you. This will save you from waiting for another pull.
  6. Keep good notes! Write complete citations on everything you collect, want copies of, or think you will ever want to find again. (see citation handout)
  7. Do not change the original order of any materials in the collections. If you are not sure where to return an item in a box, ask for assistance at the Reading Room desk.
  8. Ask questions! If you are not finding what you need in the finding aids, ask the archivist on the desk for assistance.
  9. Gloves are required to examine photographs. If gloves are not provided when you check out a box or file of photographs, please ask for them before handling the prints.
  10. Start your search with CARL and the card catalogue cards. You may access the AHC database in CARL from any terminal on campus or by telneting from your home, but the card catalogue cards are only available in the Reading Room. As you advance in your search, archivists may recommend other finding aids as well.
  11. Our copy machines use an auditron to count the number of copies you make. They do not accept vendor cards from the library or coins.
  12. The AHC is open from 8 to 5 (7:30 to 4:30 during the summer) Monday through Friday, and 11 to 5 on Saturdays. Collection material will not be pulled after 4:50 p.m.

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American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming, P.O. Box 3924, Laramie, WY 82071.  Phone:  307.766.4114,  Fax:  307.766.5511, Email: shelstad@uwyo.edu.  Copyright © University of Wyoming, 1999.  Created on May 27, 1999.  Last modified on August 08, 2000.