Archives preserve and give access to original records, the historical material and primary resources on which much research must be based. Doing research in archives can be time-consuming, but very rewarding. You're likely to find personal stories, diverse perspectives, and documents that haven't been looked at in decades.
Many archives are digitizing and sharing their collections online. You can find documents using keywords or full-text search, and view high-resolution copies. This guide has links to a variety of digital collections that will enhance your research.
Digitization only scratches the surface of the records that are available to visitors to archives. When you are able to conduct your research in person, you'll have access to original papers, diaries, correspondence, photographs, films, maps, artwork, and more.
Doing research in archives is a skill, and can be more challenging at first than using books or digital sources. With time, practice, and guidance from an archivist, it can be very rewarding.
At Lakehead, you can access our Archives and our Special Collections on the 5th floor of the Paterson Library. Resources here include records related to the University's past, and local history.