Manuscript Collections

Manuscript collections are the unpublished papers created or assembled by a person, organization or institution. They can be held by libraries or archives. They can contain correspondence and diaries, minutes and business records, drafts of published works, notes, photographs, posters, etc. Most manuscript collections are physically organized into boxes and folders.

Manuscripts collections usually have finding aids that describe their contents and the order in which they are arranged. The level of description varies, from a general overview to the item specific. Some finding aids only provide a summary of the contents of the collection. Others list the contents of each box and the most detailed will describe each indivdual folder.

VIEW LIST OF AVAILABLE FINDING AIDS

If you wish to look at any of the materials described in the finding aids listed in this site you will need to visit the holding institution. Hours and use policies vary. It is usually a good idea to call ahead before a visit.