Posted 11:54 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024
What are archives?
October is American Archives Month. It is a time to celebrate archives and learn more about what they are and how they can help you. A great first step in that direction would be to better understand the word archives. The Society of American Archives uses the word archives in three distinct ways that will help us understand the what an archive is.
The first is use of “archives” refers to the records that are kept this can include letters, reports, accounts, minute books, manuscripts, and photographs. These records are kept because of the value they possess to the creator and potential patrons. In the case of here at UWL all the letters, photographs, maps, newspaper clippings, government documents both physical and digital that we keep in the Area Research Center (ARC) are an example of these. These are the physical or digital resources that one would utilize when they visit the archives.
This brings us to the second way the word “archives” is used. This use of the word refers to the physical building that houses the collections of materials. Here at Murphy Library, we have the Special Collections and Area Research Center in Room 155. This is the place where we store the majority of our archival collections. This part of the building dates back to around 1995.
The third use of the word “Archives” refers to the organization (and the people in the organization) that are working to preserve the documents to the history of a particular group. Here at UWL this task fall on the loveable librarians and staff of Murphy Library. In particular, we have Laura Godden, Michael Current, David Mindel, and Teri Holford who lead the charge in making sure our collections are organized, accessible, and ready for the public to use.
This is a great start to understanding what archives are and what goes on in them. Some consider the archives as the place where the best kept secrets are hidden! If you would like to learn more about archives or even what we have in our own here at Murphy Library stop into the Special Collections and Area Research Center. The best way to get in touch with the Murphy Library Archives is to email us at specoll@uwlax.edu.
Visit Special Collections and Area Research Center
Fall hours, September 3 - December 18:
Tuesday: 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday - Thursday: 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
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