Archival Strategies and Techniques

by Michael Ray Hill

I think that anyone who has an interest in traditional archival research will find this a thoughtful and valuable guide to the many different elements of the research process. --Theory and Methods "His research advice is systematic and thorough and could easily serve for other researchers than sociobiographers. In eighty-eight pages, Hill has managed to pack not only this sound research advice but a critique of archival practices and a six-page bibliography. The book is certainly worth a read. . . . and could give archivists an opportunity to broaden their sociological horizons." --Archivaria "Michael Hill′s monograph, Archival Strategies and Techniques, depicts a world that some might think would be as dusty as old manuscripts themselves, but in the process of describing the excitements, joys, frustrations, and ethical conundrums, he has demonstrated that the archival scholar can share thrills and fears with Indiana Jones. Hill′s book is filled with lively anecdote, compelling analysis and a full measure of wit. This monograph will be an invaluable companion for anyone planning to spend time in libraries, dusty or otherwise." --Gary Alan Fine, University of Georgia "Much more than a how-to book, Michael Hill interprets archives and their use from a Goffmanian sociological perspective. As an extra benefit, he guides readers through the archival process by drawing on a sociological/historical project--the recovery of unknown or presently discounted social scientists. Any teacher who assigns a term paper to students will want to recommend this book!" --Shulamit Reinharz, Brandeis University "Michael Hill has produced a lively and, for some of us, comforting guide to archival research in sociology. . . . The book is comforting because among the gems contained within this short monograph is a discussion of the need to recover `unknown or presently discounted social scientists′ as an important epistemological task." --Network Historical and biographical research is increasingly used by social scientists as an important form of qualitative research. This kind of research usually requires the extensive use of formal archives housed in university and government buildings, museums, and other institutions. This concise, but practical book provides the "rules of the game" for the novice on conducting and preparing to work in archives, the protocol of using archives, and ways of organizing and referencing the useful data from the archive. This intriguing volume will interest scholars and students from a wide array of disciplines using this type of research for social analysis.

96 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 1993

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a guide to archival research for social scientists studying their peers of yore. It is nevertheless very worthwhile reading for archivists as well, in order to gain insight into how a particular scholarly cohort interprets our collections and what they tend to search for. For example, Hill states that:

The social sciences pay close attention to the institutional aspects of chronological data, and draw attention to the activities of social groups. We are greatly informed by learning what happens to people in similar circumstances. Sociohistorical research permits institutional forces and group processes to be seen more clearly through their articulation in the lives of individuals in social situations and networks. Sociological interpretation of chronologies is facilitated if researchers take special care to search the archival record for dates of events that document: (a) the target's entry into new roles and institutional arenas, (b) changes in the target's status and/or role(s) within a particular social institution or setting, and (c) the target's involvement in any roles that promote cooperation or conflict within or between distinct institutional spheres.

This passage may be somewhat clunky, but for the most part Hill has a very fluid, easygoing writing style.

First published in 1993, Archival Strategies and Techniques is also a fascinating look into the pre-Internet era. A lot of letter-writing was involved, and some archives even charged fees just to view their finding aids (now available for free online). At times I got the impression that archivists and their staff almost didn't want their collections to be used. Hill also discusses the possibility of researchers being turned away by inexplicably hostile guardians of the vaults or deliberately inconvenienced or even sabotaged by support staff embroiled in workplace hostilities with their supervisor. I would like to think we were more professional than that, but it would appear Hill did find these things worth mentioning.

At only 88 pages, this book is a fairly quick read yet packs a lot of information. I would recommend this MLS students as well.

[May Ling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great reference for those who are doing research and want to know the ins and outs of archival strategy. I also found it fascinating as it gives some insight into research and it's difficulties pre-internet and computers. I born before computing became a common part of research; but I can hardly recall going through card catalogs. I surely do not remember what things were like pre-cataloging. This book can give insight into the fairly massive change that has happened in the state of research.

[Rodney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book is old (1993), it is very helpful for anyone considering archival research. I particularly appreciated Chapter 8 (Strategies for Organizing Archival Data) and Chapter 9 (Methodological Complexities). These chapters share some nuggets I think can be useful for any person doing sociological research in general.