What is an Archive?

An archive can be defined as “documents or records relating to the activities,business dealings, etc., of a person, family, corporation,
association,community, or nation.”

http://www.dictionary.com/browse/archive

Why do we have an archive at Santa Clara University?

The reason we have an archive at Santa Clara is to collect and protect cultural heritage of the university.

http://baseballhall.org/archive-collection/photo

What is my initial research question?

My initial research question is what were the initial responses of people when Santa Clara became a coeducational university of higher learning? 

https://www.scu.edu/alumni/about/historytraditions/milestone-celebrations/womens-50th-anniversary/

What do I hope to find in the archives?

I hope to find honest opinions of students and faculty who were going through the change.  I want to compare the thoughts of male students with the thoughts of female students and beliefs formed by students versus the beliefs of faculty.  How does it differ? Are there similarities? I hope to find a publication that addresses some of these questions.  Also, what was the impact of women joining the university? Why did Santa Clara come to the decision of becoming a coeducational facility?

All of the aforementioned questions address the initial research question.  They help to provide the context for some of the responses of students and faculty as women enter the university.

How was my plan previously informed?

The Gaillet and Tirabassi readings both influenced my ideas on research in the archives.  However, I took a particular affinity to the Tirabassi reading because of the authentic tone in which she communicated with her reader.  I liked the initial paragraph which described her typical day amongst the archives.  You may not always find exactly what you’re looking for or even know exactly what it is that you are looking for.  That is ok.  Archival research isn’t a precise science and everyone uses there own method for sifting through information.

Final Thoughts

As we head into the archives I have an idea of what to expect, but I am not sure what I will find.  It will be fun to see some of the preserved history of the university and explore the ideas surrounding adding women to the institution.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/7951736816628835/