ENGL4960/8866 Research and Writing Women's Lives Research Guide

The University Archives & Special Collections guide has more information about the materials housed there.

The Women’s Archive Project (WAP) is a student-produced, multimedia archive that combines traditional library archives and lived history with the interactivity and public access of the internet.

From the American Historical Association: The Professional Association for All Historians

Advanced preparations help your archive research experience to be efficient, fun, and less daunting. Here are some tips to help both neophytes and the experienced in their quests for primary sources.

Archival materials give you direct access to the time or event you are studying. Using archival materials can help you:

better understand your topic;
apply your knowledge and experience in a specific area;
develop your own ideas;
gain a sense of "reality" about your project.

Established in 1982, the Library/Archives Center inhabits the building just north of the General Crook House Museum. The center was founded to fulfill the mission of the Douglas County Historical Society. The Center also serves as the official county archive, as designated by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.

As the research and educational center of the Douglas County Historical Society, the Library Archives Center houses materials – including newspapers, clipping files, books and government records – detailing the history of Omaha and Douglas County, Nebraska. Though materials are not available for lending, nearly all books or documents can be copied or scanned for research purposes. The society staff provides research services, photo reproductions, document scanning, as well as archival preservation advice.

Here's how to start researching records at the National Archives:
Get Started

Step 1 Determine your Topic of Interest
Step 2 Gather Information about your Topic
Step 3 Find Records and Information about Records
Step 4 Decide if you Should Visit and Plan Your Visit

This brief guide is designed to help students and researchers find and evaluate primary sources available online.