LibGuides: Archive Discovery: Physical Archives

Using Archives: A Guide from the SAA

This guide from the Society of American Archivists includes:

Search Tools to Discover Physical Archive Collections

The following tools can be used to search descriptions of archive collections. This will not provide images of specific items in the collection, but it can at least reveal what libraries and institutions own useful collections on a subject.

ArchiveGrid
ArchiveGrid includes over 7 million records describing archival materials, bringing together information about historical documents, personal papers, family histories, and more. With over 1,400 archival institutions represented, ArchiveGrid helps researchers looking for primary source materials held in archives, libraries, museums and historical societies.
WorldCat
WorldCat is the world's largest network of library content and services. Search WorldCat the Advanced Search function and under the Format limiter, select "Archival Materials."
Archives Hub
Use the Archives Hub to find unique sources for your research, both physical and digital. Search across descriptions of archives, held at over 350 institutions across the UK.
Online Archive of California
The Online Archive of California provides access to archival collection descriptions from several hundred cultural and historical institutions in California- covering many different topics of research.

Archival Catalogs and Finding Aids

Finding Aids for Library of Congress Archive Collections
British Library Catalogue of Archives and Manuscripts
National Archives (UK) Catalogues
Tip: Focus on "records held by The National Archives" to access their collection descriptions and finding aids.
National Archives Research Catalog
(National Archives and Records Administration)
Guide to Federal Records in the National Archives of the United States
World Bank Group Archives Holdings
Searches some digital materials, as well as numerous collection finding aids.
Archives Portal Europe
"The Archives Portal Europe provides access to information on archival material from different European countries as well as information on archival institutions throughout the continent." A strategic partner of Europeana. (APEx project supported by the European Commission)