Research Guides: Research in FSU Special Collections & Archives : Where to Search

Knowing Where to Search

Understanding the Differences Between ArchivesSpace, OneSearch, and the Digital Repository

ArchivesSpace is the database used for searching manuscript collections within FSU Special Collections & Archives. Manuscripts are unpublished documents and materials ranging from handwritten letters to silverware. The Society of American Archivists defines a manuscript as "a handwritten document, an unpublished document, or an author’s draft of a book, article, or other work submitted for publication."

OneSearch is the University Libraries’ catalog record of published books. All published materials housed in FSU Special Collections & Archives will be found in this catalog and not in ArchivesSpace.

Digital Repository is where you can access digitized copies of books, journal articles, photographs, theses and dissertaions, and much more. This can be a helpful tool for quickly flipping through materials, viewing materials remotely, or previewing materials before requesting to see them in the reading room.

Effective Search Tips

When conducting any kind of research, the inputted search terms dictate the initial results. This section is meant to assist you in generating a more effective search by improving the key words. Below are a few tips you might find helpful.

Do a quick internet search for synonyms of your keyword, you may find words you had not thought of initially. Inputting each of the synonyms will bring up different results.
Conduct your research in each of the three catalogs and databases; OneSearch, ArchivesSpace, and DigiNole. This will yield the maximum number of results to select from.
When researching historic materials, take into consideration the language and vocabulary from the time period.
Begin your search with broad and succinct searches and then work your way towards more specific searches.

Keyword Searches

Keywords are what we use to search databases, but rarely does a single keyword produce perfect or complete results. Resources may not be described how you expect, and this is why approaching a search with multiple terms will produce the best outcome.

When formulating keywords, focus on:

Identifying the main concepts of your topic or research question
Brainstorming synonyms and antonyms
Spelling out any words that are abbreviated
Avoiding abstract concepts as search terms

Example Search

Research Question: What is the history of the Everglades and how are they a unique ecosystem?

Keywords: Everglades, Florida, swamp, marsh, wetlands, mangroves, ecosystem, flood control, Lake Okeechobee, Florida Bay, cypress, Miami, manatees, alligators, sawgrass, Kissimmee River, biodiversity, coastal prairie, aquifer, environmental restoration