Hawaiʻi - Basic Library Research: Other Libraries and Repositories

Defining the term "archives"

Often when people use the term "archives," in their mind, they envision "old stuff," or "special old stuff." In fact, archives are comprised of special old stuff, but for the purposes of your studies, it is important to understand that the word "archives" is a very specific term.

"Archives" refers to the working and operational files of an institution. For example, correspondence files, budget planning files, etc. would be the kinds of files that end up in an archive.

The term "archive" also refers to the repository which holds these files. So, archives are held in an archive. And, an archive might also hold other types of materials, such as manuscript collections, collections of personal papers, and regular library books too.

Defining the term "government documents"

Government documents are the publications of a government. They are prepared edited documents meant for public dissemination. For example, annual reports of government agencies are considered to be publications. Individual reports such as the U.S. Dept. of the Interior's 2000 report on Hawaiians, "From Mauka to Makai: The River of Justice Must Flow Freely" would also be considered to be publications.

Where do I look for archival records and government documents?