All Archives Center collections are described in brief on SIRIS (Smithsonian Institution Research Information System), an on-line catalog shared by Smithsonian archival units, Smithsonian Institution Libraries, and some specialized research projects. This catalog is a powerful tool which permits searches by name, subject, and keyword. Selected finding aids are available on-line. Click on one of the headings to the left to see a list of finding aids in that topical area. Finding aids are only listed in one topical area, although many collections have information that crosses categories. 

A written finding aid is available for most collections in the Archives Center. These finding aids usually consist of several parts: a biography of an individual (personal papers) or a history (organization or corporate records); a scope and content note describing the content of the collection; and a container list that details the contents of a collection by box and folder. Published finding aids and brochures are available in limited quantities for select collections.

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