How to Cite Archival Sources

There is no single perfect way to cite material discovered while researching in an archives. That's the nature of research using primary sources. Here are some tips that will help you with your bibliography.

Material from our Book Collection should be cited just as you would any other book or journal article. Check with your instructor for preferred citation style.

The following are examples of the kinds of resources most often used in the Archives.

Vertical files contain newspaper clippings, brochures, brief manuscripts, and other ephemera. Describe the item by name or title, author, date, and name of file.

"Friends of the Italian Hall Prospective Board Members," Feb. 4, 1981. Copper Country Vertical File: Disasters-Italian Hall Disaster (1913). Michigan Tech Archives & Copper Country Historical Collections, Michigan Technological University, Michigan.

"Kerber Jacob's Quarry," photograph. Date unknown. Copper Country Photo File: Quarries. Michigan Tech Archives & CCHC.

"Wolf survival hinges on attitude change." Daily Mining Gazette, undated article. CCVF: Mammals - Wolves.  Michigan Tech Archives & CCHC.

DigArch image
Photograph No. Nara 42-66, "Bartender Training Dog." Date unknown. Nara Photographic Collection. Michigan Tech Archives & Copper Country Historical Collections, Michigan Technological University, Michigan. http://digarch.lib.mtu.edu/showbib.aspx?bib_id=603763#. Accessed 3/23/07.

Include the URL (http://digarch.lib.mtu.edu) and date accessed if it's from the Keweenaw Digital Archives.

Abbreviations
Use abbreviations in your bibliography. After using the full name at the first instance, you may abbreviate appropriately. See examples (Michigan Tech Archives, and CCVF) in this brochure under the heading Vertical & Photo Files.

Letter (unpublished)
Edwards, A.H.. Letter to William Sutter. Dec. 19, 1909. Copper Range Company Collection, Acc. #996. Box 3, Folder 9. Michigan Tech Archives & Copper Country Historical Collections, Michigan Technological University, Michigan.

Company records
Maki, Wilbur. Employment record. Quincy Copper Mining Company Collection., MS-001. Box 231. Michigan Tech Archives & Copper Country Historical Collections, Michigan Technological University, Michigan.

Newspaper
Author, (Date). Name of article. Daily Mining Gazette, Section Page. Reel #, Microfilm Collection, Michigan Tech Archives & Copper Country Historical Collections, Michigan Technological University, Michigan.

Federal & State Census
Portage Township, Houghton County, MI. (1890). Federal Census. Microfilm Collection, Michigan Tech Archives & Copper Country Historical Collections, Michigan Technological University, Michigan.

Map of Svalbard, 1902 [Cartographic record]. Map Folder 99 b. Map Collection, Michigan Tech Archives & Copper Country Historical Collections, Michigan Technological University, Michigan.

The following elements are the basic information you need for a complete citation in your bibliography.

1. Author or creator's name.
2. Title of the work.
3. Date.
4. Publication information.
5. Collection name.
6. Box and folder.
7. Repository. That's us, the Michigan Technological University Archives & Copper Country Historical Collections, Houghton, Michigan.

Here are some websites that give additional information on the Big Three citation styles: APA, the Chicago Manual, and MLA. Check with your instructor on their preference.

The OWL at Purdue
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
This Online Writing Lab at Purdue has guides for using MLA and APA citation styles.

The Chicago Manual of Style Online
http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/home.html

 

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Michigan Tech Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections
J. R. Van Pelt and Opie Library
Michigan Technological University
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton, Michigan 49931-1295

Tel: 906-487-2505
Fax: 906-487-2357
Email: copper@mtu.edu