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Archive Discovery

Online Search Tips

Search Terms

When searching for archives online, the term "digital archives" is not used 100% of the time. Here are some key terms that indicate a website might provide you with a digital archive:

  • digital archive
  • digital library
  • digital collection
  • digital repository
  • virtual archive
  • virtual library
  • virtual collection
  • online archive
  • online library
  • online collection

Digital Exhibits

Digital or online exhibits usually do include digitized primary sources, but generally just a few selected pieces, and usually combined with large amounts of secondary-source summary and overview. Exhibits are designed to tell a story to the public, rather than provide unbiased materials for researchers. Learn more about archives versus exhibits and tips for telling the difference.

Advanced Search Options

Terms like those listed above can be paired with keywords describing your topic and used in Google Advanced Search to discover digital archives; it is also very useful to limit your Google Advanced Search to a .edu or .gov domain. Watch the video below for a demonstration!

Episode 3: Finding Primary Source Collections with Google Advanced Search