The word "archive" or "archives" can used in many ways. The two we consider in this guide are:
- A building where historical records are kept, whether a library, historical society, or government repository
- A collection of historical records that are preserved for their value as historical evidence
An archive generally contains collections of original, historical documents, photographs, media, and other materials from individual people or organizations. Items within archival collections can include:
| letters and correspondence |
architectural drawings |
photographs, slides, and negatives |
| financial and business records |
maps |
audiovisual media |
| published books and periodicals |
posters |
objects, artifacts, and textiles |
| original research data |
artwork |
digital files |
Archival material can also be referred to as:
- Records - referring to documentation created in the course of regular work or functioning of an organization
- Personal papers - referring to material created by an individual in the course of their life and work, including correspondence, diaries, and original writing
- Manuscripts - often referring to hand-written material or writing drafts that were never published
- Special collections - Though often referring to collections of rare books, some institutions hold archival material within a broader category of "Special Collections"
