Methods in the Study of Religion: What are Archives?
What is in an Archive?
Archives are collections of non-current, but historically important material that are established and made accessible to preserve information on individuals and organizations. These materials provide evidence to show the day-to-day activities of the people and organizations which originally created the collections. Materials considered "archival" could be, but are not limited to, photographs, correspondence, minutes, maps, audio-visual material, and publications.
Further Sources
Archives and Records Management: Bibliographies, Web Links and Professional Organizations
Mark Greene, “Access to Institutional Archives and Manuscript Collections in U.S. Colleges and Universities,” http://www.archivists.org/publications/proceedings/accesstoarchives/08_Mark_GREENE.pdf
Society of American Archivists, North America's oldest and largest national archival professional association.
What Does an Archive Look Like?
BOXES
Typically you would see a box like this if it was an unprocessed, or disorganized, collection. These boxes are called either Records Cartons or Paige Boxes.
More likely you will see something like this, which is called a Manuscript Box.
What might be inside the box?
FOLDERS
