Overview
The Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections (RMC) offers a wide breadth and depth of collection materials; however, there are many other resources to explore, both here in Ithaca and around the world.
Helpful Apps
Below are some examples of mobile and desktop apps that can be used for archival research:
- Microsoft Lens: a free tool that enhances and makes pictures of documents and whiteboards readable. You can use the app to convert images to PDF, Word, and PowerPoint files, as well as save images to OneNote or OneDrive.
- Tropy: a free and open-source tool that allows you to organize and describe photographs of research materials.
- Dropbox mobile app: a free app with a scanner and simple photo editor that allows you to immediately organize your documents online.
- JotNot Pro: inexpensive, good multi-page editing app and easy to sync with other favorite services, but there is no built-in OCR.
- CamScanner: with a basic account you can scan, edit, and convert images to OCR PDFs. Your documents will also sync automatically to the cloud.
- TurboScan: a free tool that allows you to scan, edit, and organize your research documents and notes. It can also convert images to PDFs.
- DocScanner 8: a free tool that allows you to scan, edit, and organize your research documents and notes. It can also convert images to OCR PDFs.
- Easy PDF: a free online PDF conversion tool that can convert files from and to PDF. It can be used without limitation or registration.
Local and State Resources
Below are a selection of local and state resources and research services:
Local resources
- Tompkins County Public Library (TCPL) offers a variety of research services and resources to the residents of Tompkins County and is also the Central Library for the Finger Lakes Library System (FLLS), serving libraries and users in Tompkins, Tioga, Cortland, Seneca and Cayuga counties.
- HeritageQuest Online is available to library patrons to search census records, books, and documents for information about ancestors.
- The library's digitized local history collection is accessible to the general public.
- The Tompkins County Research Service is available to provide individuals and/or organizations for whom it is impossible to visit the library in person with limited research on topics of local history or interest.
- The History Center in Tompkins County
- Ithaca College Archives
- Tompkins County Genealogical Sources
- Cayuga Heights History Project
State resources
- New York Heritage Digital Collections
- New York State Archives
- New York Historical Society
- Library of Congress New York State Guide: The Library of Congress web guide contains a variety of materials specifically relating to New York State, including manuscripts, documents, photos, books and maps.
National and International Resources
Below are a selection of national and international resources:
National Resources
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Social Networks and Archival Context (SNAC) is a database of descriptions of the creators (people or organizations) of archival collections. It focuses on creating a network of archival and manuscript collections for any particular person or organization which link to the names of associated persons and organizations.
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ArchiveGrid is a collection of nearly two million archival material descriptions, including catalog records from WorldCat and finding aids harvested from the web. Includes a searchable database for catalog records for archival collections and items, and full-text guides to specific collections.
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Archive Finder is a directory describing collections of primary source material housed in repositories in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
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WorldCat FirstSearch is a valuable tool for locating archival materials in addition to other materials. Use the advanced search page to limit results to "Archival Materials."
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National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections (NUCMC) is sponsored by the Library of Congress, the NUCMC describes archival and manuscripts collections held by repositories in the United States and its territories
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National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Archival Research Catalog is a database that searches the archival collections held by the United States National Archives and Records Administration.
International Resources
Other Online Resources
- Names In Stone Cemetery Maps
- The U.S. GenWeb Project is a genealogy website for genealogical research in every county and every state of the United States.
Contact Us
Please feel free to contact us with your questions! The best way to reach us is through e-mail at rareref@cornell.edu.