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Find Archival Collections

Tulane
Access Policy Archival Description and Language Use What Is Archival Description? Our Approach to Harmful Language Our Commitment

Search, browse, and explore over 2,000 finding aids describing archival collections held by Tulane University Special Collections (TUSC) through Tulane’s ArchivesSpace platform. 

ArchivesSpace also includes finding aids for collections at the Newcomb Archives and the Latin American Library. Please check with each repository for access policies, location, and hours. 

Need help using ArchivesSpace? See this guide by MIT Libraries for tips on reading and navigating finding aids.

Access Policy

Researchers may access all processed, unrestricted materials held by Tulane University Special Collections (TUSC). Please see our Visit Us page for appointment details and reading room guidelines. 

Unprocessed Collections

Collections not yet prepared for research use are considered unprocessed and require curatorial review before access. Processing may include rehousing, arrangement, description, cleaning, or conservation. Access may be granted on a case-by-case basis, depending on the collection’s condition and other factors. If permission is granted, preparation may take several weeks. 

To request access, contact the relevant curator or email specialcollections@tulane.edu. Requests are evaluated based on: 

  • Researcher affiliation with Tulane
  • Administrative or donor access
  • Prior use of the collection
  • Collection conditions and handling requirements
  • Legal, privacy, copyright, or format concerns
  • Size and specificity of the request
  • Existence of inventories or box/folder identifiers
  • Curator expertise to assist with access 

Audiovisual Materials

All analog AV materials must be digitized before access. See AV digitization procedures for more information. 

University Records

Access to some university records is restricted due to legal or policy reasons. See the Tulane University Archives policies for details.

Archival Description and Language Use

Library Guide
Tulane

 

What Is Archival Description? 

Archival description refers to the language used in finding aids and metadata for digitized items. These tools, created by archivists during processing, help users locate materials. To explore our finding aids, visit archives.tulane.edu. If you encounter harmful or non-inclusive language, please submit feedback via this form. 

Guide to Inclusive and Reparative Archival Description 

Tulane University Libraries is committed to equitable description practices. The Guide to Inclusive and Reparative Archival Description, created by staff at TUSC, Newcomb Archives, and the Vorhoff Collection, outlines principles for inclusive, accessible language in archival records. 

Acknowledgment of Harmful and Non-Inclusive Language 

We acknowledge that some archival descriptions may contain harmful or non-inclusive language. These terms—often ableist, ethnocentric, heterocentric, homophobic, racist, or sexist—can reinforce inequality and misrepresent individuals, groups, or histories. While some instances are preserved as part of the historical record, others require revision or additional context. 

Our Approach to Harmful Language 

We address problematic language in the following ways: 

  • Preserved as Historical Record: 
     Some harmful language remains unchanged to preserve the integrity of original materials (e.g., creator-provided folder titles).
  • Revised Descriptions: 
     Archivist-written language in finding aids or captions that is non-inclusive will be revised when possible. 
     Example: Replacing “Mrs. John Smith” with the woman’s full name if available.
  • Supplemented Information: 
     When individuals or groups are omitted, additional description will be added to ensure representation. 
     Example: Adding a co-creator’s name when a collection title includes only one spouse.
  • Subject Headings: 
     Harmful Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) will be replaced where possible. 
     Example: Avoiding terms like “Illegal aliens,” per national recommendations. 

Our Commitment 

Aligned with our Vision, Mission, and Values and the Society of American Archivists’ Statement of Principles, we commit to: 

  • Using inclusive and non-harmful language in all descriptive practices
  • Actively identifying and repairing harmful archival description
  • Treating archival description as dynamic and open to continuous improvement
  • Developing guiding principles to inform current and future practices
  • Documenting our methods to ensure transparency and accountability 

Further Reading