Initially, when I found out that we were going to the archives to find information for our research projects, I was confused and nervous. In all honesty, I had no idea what they were or if I would be able to find the sources I needed. In highschool I had a very set and structured way that I approached any type of research project that included Google, jstor, and other random databases I found along the way. This is exactly why I am thankful we were able to read about different researchers experiences within the archives.
Source: http://erhartyorktwpfire.com
Katherine E. Tirabassi’s “Journeying into the Archives: Exploring the Pragmatics of Archival Research” is an essential source of information to read before exploring the archives yourself. In her article she outlines the four main guiding rules she used while conducting research in the archives. The principles of selectivity, cross referencing, categorization and closure all aided her in her ability to successfully conquer the archives. Each one outlines ideas about mindfulness, utilizing opposing and different sources, understanding organization and accepting cessation. Her diction and clarity are apparent throughout the article.
Source: Giphy
This document was most useful for me because it allowed me to walk into the archives with a greater sense of ease. I had all of this information in the back of my head about what I was about to encounter and it was comforting. “Understanding these principles of archival research allows the researcher to become acquainted with the richness and limitations of the local archive and to design a research study that takes these issues into account.” (177) In a much more eloquent way, Tirabassi explains exactly that. Her words are useful not only in the archives, but also outside of them. When I sat down to start writing my essay I utilized some of her strategies within it, and I think my paper was much better because of it.