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Oakland Community College Archives: Using Collections for Research

What to Expect When Conducting Research in the Archives

Tips for Archival research:

1. Select a Topic.  Pick a Person, Place, Event, or Theme you would like to research.  Take a look at published material on your topic--books, biographies, encyclopedias, journal articles-- are great places to start gathering background information.  If you have questions, the College Archivist or any of the Oakland Community College Librarians, are available to discuss your topic.

2. Identify which collection(s) you wish to view, and which boxes you wish to see within those collections.  Each collection guide (also called a finding aid) provides detailed biographical/historical information about the collection, as well as an inventory of the types of materials and their location within each collection.  Choose the collection and boxes you wish to view, and they will be reserved for your visit.  We can place 6 boxes on reserve per researcher at a time. 

3. Plan enough time to do your research.  Archival research is time consuming and often involves more than one collection.  Do not wait until the last minute to begin your research.

4. Analyze the Primary Sources:​​

  • Take note of the condition and format of the source (document, video, photograph, pamphlet, diary, etc)
  • Think about the purpose of the source- Why was it created and who was the intended audience? Who created it? When was it created? Where was it created, published, disseminated? What is the subject matter of the primary source?

5. Take Detailed Notes.  Make sure you record as much information about the collection as possible.  Write down quotes verbatim from material you would like to use, use your cell phone to take a picture, or when permissible request a photocopy.  Research is most successful when you have a plan for how to take notes. 

Contact the Archives

 
Contact the OCC Archives
Location:
Oakland Community College
Auburn Hills Campus
2900 Featherstone Rd
Building D, Room 112
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
 
Phone: 
248-232-4470

Additional Resources

Additional Resources

This Guide defines primary and secondary sources and explains how to find Primary Sources in the OCC catalog and databases.

This is a basic introduction to historical research for anyone and everyone who is interested in exploring the past.

Archives exist both to preserve historic materials and to make them available for use. This guide addresses the second purpose by outlining the functions and procedures of archives and is designed both for first-time archives users and scholars who have already conducted research in archives.

Online Collections of Primary Sources

Michiganology is the online platform for the Michigan History Center. It includes Archives of Michigan digital collections, research guides and indexes, a blog, and educator resources – all from the Michigan History Center and Archives of Michigan staff.

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, newspapers, maps, and manuscripts in it's collections.  The Library is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office.

​​​​DPLA connects people to the riches held within America’s libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural heritage institutions. All of the materials found through DPLA—photographs, books, maps, news footage, oral histories, personal letters, museum objects, artwork, government documents, and so much more—are free and immediately available in digital format. The cultural institutions participating in DPLA represent the richness and diversity of America itself, from the smallest local history museum to our nation’s largest cultural institutions.

​​​This search displays a wide variety of resources related to Michigan.

OCC is committed to empowering our students to succeed and advancing our community.
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