Citations
Citing Archival Material
Archives include many one-of-a-kind resources that are not likely to be available anywhere else. Additionally, most archives will organize records by the person, office, or organization responsible for creating or accumulating them and not by subject. Individual documents are located within specific files in a collection bearing the creator’s name. Most archival collections are only available at one location and do not circulate.
When you cite archival materials, you will need to provide:
- A description of the specific item (letter, memorandum, etc.)
- Date of the item (if known)
- Collection name (usually includes the name of the creator or accumulator)
- Box number and/or folder title
- Name and physical location of the archive or repository where the collection is physically located
Most archives have a preferred citation format for researchers to use when citing material from their repository. This is to ensure accuracy and standardization in the name and location of the repository and may be vitally important for other researchers attempting to locate your sources.
**Almost all archives have preferred citation formats that include the five elements above. So, it can be an important time-saving measure to include this information in your notes no matter what collection and repository you are citing.**
Citing from the Norwich University Archives
When citing material from the Norwich University Archives, please use the following citation format:
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Collection name; Box and Folder Identification; Norwich University Archives, Kreitzberg Library.
More specific examples can be found in the finding aids to each collection.
