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OLD HIS 4990 Senior Seminar in History

This guide will assist you with HIS 4990 Research Paper. Updated Fall 2020

Contacting Archives

Many local archives are staffed entirely by volunteers and hours of operation vary widely.  Follow these tips to ensure a successful visit:

  • Call ahead
    • Find out hours, location and if there are entrance/research fees
    • Explain that you are a college student working on a research paper (this alway impresses people and they want to go out of their way to help you!)
  • Tell them what you are researching
    • The volunteers and workers at the archives KNOW their collections and can make sure you see everything about your topic
    • Listen to the volunteers and staff of the archives - they may just suggest a fascinating topic or angle on your research
  • Understand the photocopy policy
    • Can materials be photocopied? How much does it cost?
  • Plan for the unexpected
    • Allow time in your schedule for the unexpected such as difficult to read hand-written materials or newly discovered material you just can't put down

West Suburbs

Chicago