Locating Materials
Many UC students only study abroad for a quarter, leaving little time to get acclimated to their host countries. Because of this, it's particularly important that you complete preliminary research in advance of your study abroad period so you're ready to hit the ground running when you arrive and settle in.
Locating Archives
There are various tools for locating archives around the world to visit.
- ArchiveGrid - a database that includes over 7 million records describing archival materials around the world. It has strengths in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Western Europe, and East Asia.
- WorldCat - An online catalog of materials held in libraries around the world. Primarily useful for bibliographic and location information.
- Access to Archives Databases (AAD) - Provided by the National Archives Records Administration (NARA), this database offers access to over 247 million historic electronic records created by over 40 agencies. We recommend starting with the "Getting Started Guide" and
- Fresh From the Archives - This blog shares review and first-hand accounts from graduate students who have done research at international archives. They share practical information based on their experience that can be invaluable for preparation before your own visit.
Get ready
Understand that different institutions will have their own policies, procedures, and even cultural norms or expectations. Before arriving, it's recommended that you do as much research as possible in advance. Check the websites for these institutions or contact the special collections departments directly, if possible. Some state agencies may not have websites, and may require more manual digging and outreach.
- Talk to advisors and mentors. Do you need a letter of introduction to be considered for access to a research facility? Who can provide this letter and can you secure one in advance?
- Prepare all forms of identification you may need, and copies in case of emergency: your UCSB student ID, government issued ID, extra passport-sized photos (sometimes required by foreign libraries)
- Contact the reference archivist and/or connect with subject specialists.
- Search their Finding Aids to locate specific collections and materials you'd like to view. It may take some time for materials to be made available so request them in advance with as much detail as you can offer.
- Research proper etiquette, rules, and recommendations: don't bring food or drinks, pack pencils (pens are often not allowed), a camera to capture photos of non-digitized material, computer and chargers, and notebooks to document notes, conditions, and metadata you'll want to cite later. (Check with each archive about what items may be allowed, as this will vary across institutions).