Creative Music Research in Special Collections: Using a Finding Aid
Example
The screenshot above shows the top of the Finding Aid for the Alice Gerrard Collection. The arrow points towards the navigation menu on the left side of the finding aid page. Also circled within the screenshot is "search within this page. press control and F (command and F on a mac) and type your search term in the box that appears in your browser window"
Using a Finding Aid
A finding aid is one way that archivists make the materials within a collection available to search. It typically includes a collection overview, scope of content, copyright and permissions and sometimes a more detailed list of content. Finding aids are meant to help in the research process rather than being a complete description of what is available.
Navigating the finding aid
Finding aids have multiple sections and can be overwhelming to look at. Understanding how they are organized can help with navigating them. The format of finding aids may vary from institution to institution, but all finding aids include the same basic information such as an abstract, biography, scope and content, copyright and permissions. The top of the finding aid will typically have more general information such as an overview of the collection, subject headings and related collections. The finding aid will provide more detailed information the further you go, sometimes including a complete content list.
Finding Aid Tip:
The menu on the left side of the screen provides links to jump to different sections of the finding aid. If you are looking for a particular item, you can use “ctrl and F” (or “command and F on macs) to search for individual names, dates, locations and other keywords.
Use “search archival collections” to search the finding aids in Wilson Library.
Requesting Materials From Finding Aids
If the item you are interested in is not digitized, you can request it by clicking "request this collection" and specifying the call number of the item you want. You may request the item for an in-person visit, or through a duplication request. For more information on registering and requesting materials, visit the Registering and Requesting Materials page.
Accessing Digitized Archival Content
- Accessing Digitized Archival ContentIf the instructions for accessing digitized archival content do not automatically display in this box, click this link to download them.
Helpful Resources
Other Relevant LibGuides from UNC
- Accessing Digital Archives at UNCThe Wilson Special Collections Library's collections include digital materials acquired from wide variety of formats and stored in a few locations. This guide provides tips and troubleshooting guidance for access to archived websites, social media data, and born-digital files.
- How to Find Rare Books at Wilson Special Collections LibraryThis guide focuses on how to find rare books in Wilson Special Collections Library.
- Moving Image Research at Wilson Special Collections Library: HomeThis guide focuses on archival moving images held at Wilson Special Collections Library. Moving images at Wilson Library consist of analog video and motion picture film produced throughout the 20th and 21st century by independent filmmakers, ethnographers, and amateur filmmakers, as well as University staff and students. Some materials have been digitized and are accessible and streaming for research online, while others require visiting the library for viewing in our reading room. Tips for locating additional resources are also provided throughout.
- UNC Libraries LibGuidesSubject guides through UNC Libraries
Finding Aid Glossary
Collection Overview shows the abstract and size of the collection.
Information for users provides information on copyright, use and citations.
Processing information highlights the archivists who processed the collection.
Subject headings link back to subject searches in the library catalog. These do not link to resources within the finding aid, however, it can help find related resources.
Related collections links to related finding aids.
Biographical info provides biographical information about the person or the organization.
Scope and content gives a more detailed overview of what is in the collection.
Contents list can be varied in detail depending on which collection it is for. Some of the items listed are digitized, others are not. The items listed that are not digitized may be requested here. Use “ctrl and F” (or “command and F” on macs) to search for specific items within the finding aid.