University Archives and Special Collections Finding Aid Portal
Using this site
Similar to a library catalog, this website contains finding aids that describe the University Archives and Special Collections’ holdings. But, rather than books, these finding aids describe archival collections.
What is a finding aid?
A finding aid is a document that describes an archival collection. It’s similar to a catalog record for a library book, but it will usually be longer. Finding aids describe what types of material is in a collection (e.g., correspondence, publications, handwritten notes, VHS tapes), the topics that are covered (e.g., budgets, university merger, department curriculum), how the collection is organized, and its size. Finding aids may also include some historical or biographical background information about people or events that relate to the collection. Every collection held by the University Archives and Special Collection (UASC) that is available to researchers has a finding aid.
Finding material
Use this site to search finding aids. The finding aids will direct you towards the collections that contain the material you seek. In most cases you will be required to visit the UASC reading room during open hours or by appointment to view the materials. Some material has been digitized, in which case it may be accessed from anywhere via the Internet. Digitized material is collected in the Digital Materials section of the website, and can also be accessed via links within the finding aids.
In advance of a research visit, you may request material using the “Request” button, but this is not required. See the Information for Researchers section of the UASC website for more information about planning your visit.
Visiting UASC
Open hours Monday-Friday, 1-5 p.m.
Weekday morning visits available by appointment
archives@iit.edu
312.567.5993
Paul V. Galvin Library
Lower Level
35 W 33rd St
Chicago, IL 60616