Want to use archives but need a bit of help getting started?

Hull University Archives staff have created a number of SkillsGuides to help you develop archival research skills:

• Our Archives - The basics guide provides an introduction to the basic concepts surrounding archives and using archival material for research purposes. It covers what archives are, who creates them, key archival theory, and pointers for using archives.
• Our Archival skills guide provides information, practice exercises, bibliographies and links to online resources allowing you to develop skills in core areas such as palaeography, transcription, historical date systems, archaic terms & spellings, language and weights & measures.
• Our Archive collections at Hull History Centre guide provides advice on the availability of archival material for use in research projects. It explores collections held at Hull History Centre by theme, creator and document type, and includes downloadable guides to collections under each of these three key headings.
• Our Diversity in archives guide provides information about finding records relating to groups which are underrepresented in archives: people from ethnic minorities, women, and LGBTQ+ people. It explores how to find hidden voices within archives, and gives you some tips and suggestions to start your research.
• Our Finding archives guide provides helpful hints and tips for getting started with archival research. It explores the basics of archival research, locating archival material, understanding archive catalogues, and what to expect when visiting repositories.
• Our Using Hull History Centre guide provides helpful hints and tips on facilities available at the Centre and how to use them. It explores Local Studies Library facilities, Searchroom facilities, how to use the online catalogue, and how to copy and reference archival material held at the Centre.