Archival Instruction Services
The Gotlieb Center archivists collaborate with faculty, teachers, and instructors to incorporate archival collections, University Archives and rare books into the classroom. We offer instruction sessions tailored to the needs of the particular class. Staff are available to assist instructors in designing assignments best suited to their individual topics and goals.
Students in Paula Austin’s HI 297: African American Women’s History class pour over archival materials in the Gotlieb Center Reading Room. Photography by Sami Wright.
Teaching with Archives
Are you interested in learning about the archives, but not sure where to start? We would be happy to set up a time to help you develop a class session and introduce you to archival research.
For Individuals
- Archival Research 101: Explore Special Collections through this introduction to archival research. This session breaks down how to find collections, understand what’s in them, and request materials you’d like to explore.
- Research Consultation: Schedule a one-on-one consultation with a Research and Instruction Archivist to brainstorm ideas, locate collections, and design a research strategy for your project.
For Classes and Groups
- Behind the Scenes Archives 101: Dive into the history of how and who created Archives and Libraries. Learn how to harness this knowledge to empower your research in archives, libraries, and beyond.
- Archival Research 101: Explore our vast archival collections with ease through this introduction to archival research.
- Tailored Class Visits: Engage with archival materials that support your course curriculum.
Learning Outcomes
Archival instruction sessions build transferable information literacy skills needed to:
- Conceptualize, find, and access primary sources
- Analyze and use archival materials
Develop confidence and familiarity with:
- Archival terminology
- Primary vs. secondary sources
Practical Considerations:
- Learn to navigate our archive website and discovery tools
- Acquire methods for finding hidden materials
Planning a Class Visit
Please reach out to us with the following information:
- Date and time of the proposed class session
- Knowledge or skills you want your students to acquire
- Subjects, events, time periods, material types, or collections of interest
We require at least two weeks’ advance notice to request necessary materials from our off-site storage.
Our staff will schedule a meeting to discuss your needs and answer any questions.