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Special Collections: How-To Research & Access

Quick guide for WashU students, faculty and staff, as well as community researchers

Tracking and organizing

Be sure to keep track as you research!

  • To create your citations you will need to keep close track of what you find and where it is stored. 
  • Consider creating a spreadsheet to track your information. 
  • You could also use an app like Zotero (more info below)

A phone, tablet or digital camera can help you capture the information during your visit.

  • This is the fastest way to get a copy of items from Special Collections
  • Hint: Take a photo of the container (box, folder, etc) along with the page you are interested -- this helps with citations later!
Always check with reading room staff before making scans/ using your camera at any archive.

Tools and Apps

Many tools are available to keep track of your research.

Some options to consider: