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The Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library

Finding Aids-Frequently Asked Questions


What is a finding aid?

A finding aid, also called an inventory, serves as a guide to an archival collection.  It can provide an overview of the collection, as well as a detailed description of its contents.  Finding aids vary from collection to collection, but most include a summary; a history or biography; a list of subjects; a description of the size, composition, and organization of the collection; and a list for locating materials within each box. 

Not all collections have finding aids available online.  Please consult the Duke University Libraries Online Catalog, the Guide to the Cataloged Collections in the Manuscript Department of the William R. Perkins Library, Duke University, and the Research Guides for additional collections.


How do I find a collection?

You can either search or browse for a collection.  To search, type a keyword into the search box on the left-hand side of the page.  Be sure the special collections option is selected.  To browse, click on any letter in the alphabetical browse list to view collections by author or organization.  Authors are listed in last name, first name order.


How do I search within a finding aid?

You can search within a finding aid by using the search function of your internet browser.  Select “Edit” from the browser menu, and then click on “Find on this page.”  You can also use the “Ctrl-F” keys to arrive at this option.  This will bring up a search box which will allow you to find keywords within the finding aid.  Be sure you are viewing the finding aid in the “View Full Inventory” option in order to ensure that you are searching the entire finding aid.  The search term will be highlighted by the browser and the cursor will be brought to the highlighted term.  To find further instances of the search term, click on “Find Next” in the search box or hit enter on your keyboard.


How do I print a finding aid?

Our finding aids are available as PDF documents which will make printing them easier.  To view a finding aid in this format, choose the PDF option from the left navigation menu.  Adobe Acrobat Reader is necessary to view these documents, which is available for download.  Once the PDF version is open, choose “File” from the internet browser menu, and select “Print”.  You can also use the “Ctrl-P” keys to arrive at this option.  Many finding aids are lengthy; the number of pages in the document will be visible at the bottom of the screen.  Finding aids may also be printed from the browser in either the “View Full Inventory” option or “Section View” option.


How do I adjust the size of the text?

To adjust the size of the text, select “View” from the internet browser menu.  Choose “Text Size,” then select the desired option.


Where can I find more information?

Ask a Question
Using RBMSCL for Research: A Tutorial
More Definitions
Technical and Background Information