Paper
Format:
Newsprint
Examples:
Many hundreds--perhaps thousands--of newspapers in the library; most are unindexed. Some represented by only one issue. Mostly retained for only the current six months, current year, or until microfilm arrives. Exception: Southeast Asian newspapers in the Echols Collection.
Content:
Very broad representation of geography and languages. Complete content. Original layout. Color graphics in recent years.
Pros:
Original content and format; diversity.
Cons:
Often not indexed anywhere; not entirely current and rarely historically complete; localized physical access (not networked)
Access rating:
Overall, fair, except recent issues.
Preservation rating:
Very poor. Very hard to preserve--bulky, poor quality paper; most titles are recycled after a specified time period, usually months. Exception: paper with rag content--usually 19th to early 20th century or before. Older newspapers are becoming artifacts rather than a primary means for content delivery.
Notes:
For printed indexes of major papers see International Newspaper Indexes in Olin Library and U.S. Newspaper Indexes in Olin Library.