This guide has been prepared to assist and inform those wanting to understand Finding Aid basics, including their structure and terms that are used. This is especially important when making a retrieval request for material.
There are two types of Finding Aids used within the Archives and Special Collections at Western Libraries: Descriptive Inventories or Preliminary Inventories. Visit the Archives Finding Aids page for more information and to see a list of available finding aids. There may be additional listings for unprocessed or more recent acquisitions. These can be reviewed by the archivist in charge of the fonds/collection to answer inquiries or possibly provided for consultation. Please contact us as inquiries are always welcome.
