How to find archival sources

Archival sources are records of historically significant activities of a person, association or institution. They might document a specific event or focus on a particular area of interest. They are often created around the time of the event, usually by witnesses to it.

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Discover our archival material

Archival sources are primary information sources which can add unique evidence and context to your research.

As primary information sources, they can include both documents and artefacts such as research papers, correspondence, diaries, log books, newspaper articles, photographs, sketches, business records, minutes, annotated books, cuttings and ephemera.

These items are collected and preserved and their descriptions organised in archives so they can be discovered and researched.

Finding archival sources held at the University of Sheffield is a process in two parts:

Search online the archival records:
Discover Our Archives allows you to search the archival collections including the Library Special Collections and Archives; the National Fairground and Circus Archive; and the University’s institutional archive.

Watch Discover Our Archives on Kaltura

Visit the Archive to get access to the physical item:
Special Collections, Heritage, and Archives are open to all students and you can book a visit to their reading room. It is recommended that you request any items you would like to access before your visit.

Book a visit to the reading room: Use our collections | Library | The University of Sheffield

Discover digital archives

Archival sources are sometimes digitised so you are able to see online their digital reproductions.

For the items held at the University of Sheffield, see:

National Fairground and Circus Archive Digital - this is a unique collection of photographic, printed, manuscript and audiovisual material covering all aspects of the culture of travelling showpeople, their organisation as a community, their social history and everyday life; and the artefacts and machinery of fairgrounds.

Digital Special Collections - these are collections of rare and specialised books and academic archives covering a wide range of subjects and time periods.

The Library provides access to other digital archive collections which you can use to access online the digital reproductions of a variety of primary sources.