Our catalogue reflects how archives are created, used and kept and in this way it differs from a library catalogue, which searches published material. Archival material is usually described at different levels, from whole collections down to individual files or items.
This page explains how to search the catalogue and how to understand your results.
Simple Search
Enter one or more keywords into the search box at the top of the page. The search looks for your terms across titles, descriptions, names, and subjects.
Results may include collections, series, files, or individual items. You can refine your results using the available filters.
Advanced Search
To access the Advanced Search:
- Select Browse from the menu in the top left corner
- Choose Archival Descriptions
- Select Advanced Search
Advanced Search allows you to:
- Search by title, creator, subject, or reference code
- Limit results by date range
- Restrict results by level of description
This option is particularly useful if you already have some information about what you are looking for.
Browse
You can also explore the catalogue using the options available under the Browse menu. This can be helpful if you are new to the collections or are unsure which search terms to use.
- Archival Descriptions
View collections and navigate through their hierarchical structure. - Authority Records
Browse people, organisations, or families associated with the records. - Subjects
Explore records that have been grouped by topic. - Digital Objects
Connects the catalogue with our Digital Library. Where digitised copies of archival material are available, you can browse them here.
Understanding Search Results
Search results may include descriptions at different levels:
- Collection – the highest level of description, representing the whole archive created by a person or organisation
- Series / Sub-series / Sub-sub-series – groups of related records within a collection
- File – a group of documents kept together
- Item – an individual document or object
Not all material is described at item level. You may need to view a higher-level description and browse within it to see what it contains.
What Is Not on the Catalogue
- Not all archival material has been fully catalogued, and some records may not yet appear in the catalogue
- Not all archival material has been digitised; much of the material described here must be consulted in person
Getting Help
If you need help using the catalogue, understanding your search results, or planning a visit, please contact us at: