Using Finding Aids

A finding aid is a guide, register, index, list, or other system of itemization designed to help the user know what materials are contained within the collection. Finding aids are helpful in that you can read what is in the collection without having to leaf through the papers and handle everything.

Finding aids provide detailed descriptions of items contained within a folder, binder, or other storage item. Finding aids are found, for example, in an archival box—a strong cardboard container specifically designed for long-term storage and preservation of archival material.

At Lehigh, some finding aids are available online for manuscript and archival collections. Physical finding aids can be found through ASA.

Online finding aids >>