Archives & Special Collections: Getting Started
How to Begin Historical Research
Before diving in to archival research, take time to learn what you can from books and other secondary sources.
Starting with secondary sources can save time! They allow you to gain knowledge quickly about your topic and provide context for archival documents (primary sources). Further, if you pay attention to footnotes/endnotes and bibliographies, you will find more books as well as archival sources that you might want to use in your own research.
Archival Terminology
Did you find a new or unfamiliar term? Look it up in the Society of American Archivists' Dictionary. Archival terminology is a group of common words that have acquired specialized meanings for archivists and those utilizing archival resources.
Welcome!
Welcome to Archives & Special Collections: Getting Started, a guide to researching with materials in the CSU Libraries, Archives & Special Collections department. Here you will find these highlighted collections that are just a sampling of our holdings and more...
- Agricultural and Natural Resources ArchiveHistorical records of the state’s agrarian and natural resource heritage.
- Water Resources ArchiveHistorical records instrumental in the development of water resources in Colorado and the West.
- Special CollectionsRare and unique materials that support the University’s current research and education mission.
- University ArchivesRepository of permanent records created by departments, offices, colleges, faculty, and students.
We're Here to Help
Searching for, finding, and using one-of-a-kind materials can be complicated. That's why the Archives & Special Collections staff is here to help!
Our physical materials can only be used onsite, so you will need to contact us to make an appointment (email us at library_dl_specialcollections@mail.colostate.edu). We are also available to consult with you about your research and help you identify material (physical and digital) matching your interests.
Keep in mind that using rare and fragile materials can be slow going, so allow plenty of time for your research.
If you are unable to visit, you can request a reproduction. Fees may apply.
For more information about archival research, take a look at Using Archives: A Guide to Effective Research from the Society of American Archivists or A Survival Guide to Archival Research from the American Historical Association.
More Assistance
See additional guides to different areas of our department:
Contact Us
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1019