Archival Preservation Guide
USU’s Special Collections and Archives has put together a list with helpful resources which will further your quest in understanding archival preservation and familial history.
Researching Family History
- Data.Census.GovThis website is the primary tool for accessing information from the U.S. Census Bureau. Find population data as well as social, economic, and housing characteristics at various geographic levels (national, state, county, etc.)
- GovInfoGovInfo is a site produced by the United States Government Publishing Office (GPO) that provides free public access to official publications from all three branches of the Federal Government.
- History HubHistory Hub is a research support community for everyone, including genealogists, historians,
and citizen archivists. Ask the community your own research questions or browse the many questions and answers that have already been asked by other community members. - Library of CongressThe Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, newspapers, maps and manuscripts in its collections. This website provides access to a rich, diverse and enduring source of knowledge to inform, inspire and engage you in your intellectual and creative endeavors.
- National ArchivesThe National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the nation's record keeper. This site contains legal documents such as birth certificates, census records, naturalization records, and military records.
- Proquest Statistical Abstract of the U.S.Statistical reference database containing information on social, political, and economic conditions, collected by the United States Census Bureau and other government agencies; includes downloadable graphs and charts.
- Smithsonian Open AccessMillions of Open Access images from the Smithsonian.
- Social ExplorerCurrent and historical census data and demographic information for the United States with tools to create thematic maps, interactive maps, and customized reports.
- USU Special Collections & ArchivesArchives West is the primary tool for searching inventories or finding aids for the Folklore, Manuscripts, Photographs, and University Archives collections. This database focuses specifically on archival materials available at Utah State University’s Special Collections and Archives.
- Utah State ArchivesThe Utah State Archives website holds records related to Utah government agencies, including genealogy information such as birth certificates and marriage licenses, court records, land records, and more.
Archival Preservation Resources
Below is a list of websites that offer information on archival preservation. Learn how to preserve archival materials like photos, journals, and digital records.
- Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC)The Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) offers conservation treatment, digital imaging, and audio preservation services, as well as preservation training, assessments and consultations, and disaster advice on collections.
- Digital Preservation BrochureThis brochure contains information on how to preserve your own digital materials, such as digital photos, personal audio records, and more.
- Digital Preservation OverviewWith so many digital files stored on our cell phones and computers, it may be hard to decide what documents to save. Learn how to identify, organize, manage, and preserve your digital files.
- Library of Congress Frequently Asked QuestionsThe Library of Congress provides a FAQ sheet based on general preservation questions.
- Library of Congress Preservation: PhotographsInformation on caring, handling, and storing photographs.
- Library of Congress Preservation: Scrapbooks and AlbumsInformation on caring for scrapbooks and albums.
Open House Handouts
Guide Author
This guide was written by Monique Davila, a graduate fellow in Special Collections & Archives. The guide was originally created for an Archiving Open House hosted on April 11, 2022 hosted in collaboration with USU’s Inclusion Center and Latinx Cultural Center. Learn more about this event in USU Today.
