How To Conduct Archival Research

Part 1: What Do You Want To Know?

• The first thing you need to do is determine your research question. The more specific the better. Consider these examples:

  • "What do you have on SEU Athletics?" is a weak question because it is too broad. SEU has had many sports on campus over its 140 year history. This would be thousands of documents and associated materials.

  • "I'm looking for lists of SEU baseball players between 1982 and 1989" is a strong research question because it is specific. It defines a date range, a particular sport, and a specific type of archival record. 

  • Having trouble defining your research question? Ask the archivist for help.

• Next, search the archives' online catalog to see what collection we have that might fit your research topic. It's possible several collections have materials related to your topic. Don't see what you are hoping for? Ask the archivist to double check your search - it's possible they are aware of collections that aren't yet in the catalog.

•  Once you have found a collection that matches your research topic, take some time to browse the contents of that collection by expanding the tabs in the "Collection Organization" box on the right side of the screen. Some collections have been partially digitized. In those cases, this record will include a link to those resources.

• Clicking on a line within that box will reveal detailed information about it, including the Box and Folder Number of the item. If this is an item you'd like to see, make a note of the Box/Folder numbers. 

• Finally, request an appointment with the archivist to view your selected materials in person. Your email should include which boxes from which collections you would like to view and three suggested appointment times. 

  • Appointments require a minimum of 48 hours (business days) notice and are scheduled between 8:30am and 3:30pm Monday-Friday. Appointments outside those hours are considered special requests and will be subject to staff availability. Walk-in appointments are not available.

  • If you are not a current SEU student, faculty, or staff member, request a parking pass when booking your appointment.

  • Plan extra time for the unexpected. Discoveries and new questions unearthed during research may lead you down different avenues than you had originally anticipated.

  • If you expect your research process to be lengthy, we recommend booking several appointments.

  • If you are an individual with a disability and require accommodations to conduct your research in the archives, please notify library staff when booking your appointment.

Part 4: Additional Research

• Other archives that may be useful in your research may include the Catholic Archives of Texas, the Austin History Center, and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

• No materials belonging to the St. Edward’s University Archives and Special Collections may be published or exhibited, in whole or in part, without written permission of Munday Library. Requests for permission to publish should be sent to archives@stedwards.edu.

• Photocopies and/or scans made of archival materials are intended for private research and permission to create these reproductions should not be taken as permission to publish. All responsibility for possible infringement of copyright law as a result of reproduction and use of these materials is assumed by the applicant. The researcher assumes full responsibility for complying with laws of libel and literary property rights which may be involved in their use. The Munday Library, at its discretion, may deny duplication of materials known to be covered by copyright that it does not own.

• Munday Library requests acknowledgement (as "Munday Library Archives and Special Collections") where applicable. 

Remote Research

• Munday Library recognizes that not everyone is able to travel to campus to conduct their research onsite. Therefore, research questions are welcomed via email and telephone at archives@stedwards.edu and 512-428-1047. While every effort is made to answer research questions as quickly as possible, please allow 2-3 business days for a response.

• Remote Researchers may request digital scans of archival materials. These requests will be granted subject to staff availability.