Overview
This guide is here to help with the basics of archival research into natural resources extraction as it relates to architecture and the construction industry. There are many aspects to this topic, far more than can be covered in a 1 hour class, but keep in mind the following:
Time:
When is your assignment due? Archival research takes time, sometimes much more than anticipated. You will want to focus on a topic for which you know you can find resources. Ask a librarian if you are unsure what we have.
Place:
Cornell's Rare & Manuscript Collections has a strong Ithaca/Tompkins County/New York State/Northeastern US regional focus. There are many materials about natural resource extraction industries in New York State and some neighboring states, but not as much on, say, copper mining camps in Jerome, Arizona. If your topic is about industries in another state or country, you're more likely to find secondary (circulating) materials in Olin, Uris, Mann and other libraries.
Period:
Are you researching a topic from the 19th century or the current era? Many materials published before the 1930's have been digitized and can be found online; this is also true of most government publications. Materials published in the U.S. after 1930 are usually still under copyright and may or may not be available online.
Scope:
Although the range of materials in Cornell's Rare & Manuscript Collections is vast, it doesn't cover everything in depth. For example, archival materials on labor conditions, unions and collective bargaining, etc. is housed at the Kheel Center at Catherwood Library and available for viewing by appointment.
