Idea / Mission
The ESE Archives Guide has been created to collaboratively gather and share vital information on how to conduct archival research in East and Southeast Europe or on topics dealing particularly with East and Southeast Europe. This may include not only “traditional” state archives but also
- smaller (perhaps private run) archives and special collections
- film / photo archives and special collections
- digital (online) archives and special collections
- archives located elsewhere in the world, if relevant for studying East or Southeast Europe(an topics)
Information Needed
- A short paragraph portraying the archives in general (its range of material, by time period or topic, and its importance within the archival landscape)
- Contact (postal and visiting address, telephone number, email, opening times, etc.)
- Website (URL of the homepage only)
- How to find the Archive site (short description of how to get there by car or public transport and, if applicable, include the link to a respective section of the archive’s website)
- How to plan and to prepare a visit (general information on what materials to prepare to gain entry into both the country and the archives itself, such as forms that must be submitted in advance)
- Upon visiting the Archives site, how to register (general information on the registration process itself, such as what documents are necessary to provide)
- Reading Room(s) (describe the different types of rooms and their locations, including access to microfiche, microfilm, maps, oversized reading, etc.)
- Reading Room(s) rules and regulations
- Archive databases and online finding aids
- Practical advice (this can include the “unwritten rules” of the archives; the size of the reading room(s), i.e. the amount of working space, as well as the heating conditions and available power outlets; how to copy/photograph materials; staff members’ language skills; nearby facilities, cafes, cheap accommodation, airport, etc.)
If you are interested in contributing to the guide, please feel free to contact felix.jeschke@lrz.uni-muenchen.de !