How Researchers Can Access Historical Documents Faster!

Archival research is the foundation of historical and social inquiry. Primary sources, from government papers and organizational records to personal letters, diaries, and even train tickets, allow researchers to ask new questions, verify findings, and provide rich cultural context. However, accessing these materials can be challenging due to geographic distance, time constraints, and high costs.

However, accessing these materials can be challenging due to geographic distance, time constraints, and high costs. In today’s digital age, how can researchers efficiently access undigitized historical documents without spending weeks traveling and searching through archives?

Traditional Archival Research Challenges

Even with modern technology, not all archival materials are digitized. Many resources from the late 20th and 21st centuries are available online, but pre-digital documents still require physical visits to archives. Researchers face several pain points:

Geographic and Financial Constraints

Traveling to another city or state to access documents can be expensive and time-consuming, particularly when budgets are tight.

Time-Consuming Search Process

Searching through archival collections is inherently slow. Even after traveling, researchers must comb through materials piece by piece, often taking much longer than expected.

Uncertainty of Material Availability

Researchers must confirm whether materials are digitized, how much is available, and what copying methods are allowed. Even finding aids may indicate a collection exists but is not accessible digitally.

Strategies for Efficient Archival Research

To make archival research more effective, consider these strategies:

Plan Ahead Using Digital Tools: Use online catalogs and finding aids to narrow your search before traveling.
Define Clear Research Goals: Start with a focused research question to explore relevant materials efficiently.
Pre-Order Materials: Many archives allow pre-ordering documents to reduce waiting time.
Use In-Situ Technology: Apps like Genius Scan Plus or TurboScan and digital cameras enable fast collection of primary sources.

Introducing Sourcery: Remote Access to Archival Documents

What if you could avoid travel and accommodation costs entirely?

Sourcery is a remote archival document delivery app designed to provide access to undigitized materials. Developed by researchers at the University of Connecticut, Sourcery is ideal for scholars needing documents housed in distant cities.

Researchers submit requests for scans, and a Sourcerer—an archive enthusiast, early-career professional, or library science student—fulfills the request with high-quality scans of the required materials.

How Sourcery Saves Time and Money

No Travel Needed: Researchers save time and money by avoiding trips to archives.
Folder-Level Access: Sourcerers retrieve collections in person and create reference-quality scans at the folder level.
Affordable Pricing: Each request costs $65, offering a cost-effective alternative to expensive travel and accommodation.

How to Submit a Successful Sourcery Request

Precision is key to ensure fast and accurate delivery. Include detailed information in two areas:

1. Repository Information

Direct link to the repository’s visitor page, including hours, address, and contact info.
Instructions on how the Sourcerer should request materials (e.g., creating a research account).

2. Material Location and Details

Library record links if available.
Identification numbers such as Call Number, Item ID, or Reference Number.
Full collection and series information, including dates.
Correct Box and Folder numbers (Sourcery works at folder level).
Type of materials expected (letters, photographs, maps, etc.).

Once submitted, Sourcerers provide progress updates like “Repository contacted,” “Appointment scheduled,” and “Checked in at repository,” keeping researchers informed remotely.

Benefits of Remote Archival Research with Sourcery

By using Sourcery, researchers can:

Access historical documents faster and more efficiently.
Reduce travel costs and time.
Receive reference-quality scans without leaving their city.
Focus on analysis instead of locating materials.

Sourcery transforms archival research from a slow, resource-intensive process into a streamlined, cost-effective, and fast remote workflow.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a student, academic, or professional researcher, Sourcery provides a modern solution to archival challenges. With skilled Sourcerers and a digital request system, historical research becomes faster, more affordable, and accessible from anywhere.

Start using Sourcery today to save time, cut costs, and access the specific historical documents you need without ever leaving your city.