Frequently Asked Questions

We hope the FAQs below answer your questions about the Archives of Appalachia. For further assistance, call Georgia Greer at (423) 439-4338, or e-mail us at archives@etsu.edu.

		Appalachian Collections		Guidelines for Use
		Archives of Appalachia		Hours of Operation
		Contact Us		Local History Research
		Films & Recordings		Research & Reference
		Forms & Fees		Special Collections
		Genealogical Research		University Archives

What will I find in the Archives of Appalachia?

You will find collections that document southern Appalachia and the history of East Tennessee State University. Research materials include personal papers, official records and publications, photographs, and sound and moving-image recordings. Please refer to About the Archives for more information.

What is the main focus of the Archive of Appalachia's collections?

The Archives of Appalachia collects and preserves records of enduring value that document the rich cultural, economic, historic, political, and social life in southern Appalachia. The Archives of Appalachia has research materials on a wide range of subjects. For collection strengths, Browse Subjects.

What is the difference between Appalachian Collections, Special Collections, and University Archives?

The Appalachian Collections focuses on Appalachia and consists largely of primary research materials. Special Collections houses published materials relating to Appalachia, with a special emphasis on southern Appalachia. Also included are publications of East Tennessee State University. The University Archives focuses on the history of the University. Links to all three collections are under Collections.

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Appalachian Collections

What materials are in the Appalachian Collections?

The Appalachian Collections holds over 700 collections, including personal and family papers, as well as institutional records of businesses and organizations in southern Appalachia. A large photographic collection holds nearly a quarter-million images. There are approximately 28,000 sound recordings and 6,000 moving-image forms. More information can be found at Appalachian Collections under Collections.

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University Archives

What materials are in the University Archives?

The University Archives contains the official records and publications of East Tennessee State University. Also included are papers of selected faculty and administrators, photographs, oral histories, and multimedia recordings of significant campus events. More information can be found at University Archives under Collections.

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Special Collections

What materials are in the Special Collections?

Special Collections houses the Archives' book and print materials collections. The collection is especially strong in local and state history, Appalachian culture and folklore, and regional literature. Consisting of contemporary and out-of-print titles, the collection is intended to support research on southern Appalachia. Offical publications of East Tennessee State University are also in Special Collections. More information can be found at Special Collections under Collections.

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Research & Reference

Does the Archives of Appalachia do research for patrons?

No. We are not able to conduct research for patrons. We are happy to provide reference assistance and advice.

Does the Archives provide reference assistance?

Yes. The Archives of Appalachia provides reference assistance to patrons visiting the Archives. How to Use the Archives provides guidelines for using the Archives of Appalachia.

We also provide reference assistance by telephone or mail, or you may use our online Reference Request Form. Due to staffing and budget constraints, assistance to off-site patrons is limited.

How do I find the information I need in the Archives?

Collections housed in the Archives of Appalachia are described in detail in our finding aids. These finding aids can be found at Appalachian Collections and University Archives under Collections.

What is a finding aid?

A finding aid is a detailed guide to the contents of a collection. Finding aids can be searched by going to Appalachian Collections or University Archives under Collections. Finding aids can also be searched by using the Search Collections box on the right-hand menu.

I found what I need in the Archives, what do I do next?

If you are able to visit the Archives, we will pull the materials for you to use in our reading room. Our How to Use the Archives page is a guide to using the Archives on site.

If you are unable to visit the Archives, contact us by telephone or mail, or you may use our online Reference Request Form. Be sure to include your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, and details of your request, including the name of the collection(s) you are interested in.

The use of materials may incur charges to patrons. Please refer to our Access Services and Fees Policy under Services.

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Genealogical Research

Do you have census records?

No. Census records are housed in Sherrod Library's Microfilm Department. To search Sherrod Library's census holdings, go to Library Online Catalog.

Can I find a published copy of my family's history in the Archives?

To find published family histories, search Sherrod Library Online Catalog. The catalog record will tell you if the book you are looking for is in the Archives or Sherrod Library.

What kind of genealogical resources are in the Archives?

The Archives of Appalachia has few records directly applicable to genealogical research. We, however, may have family papers of interest to you in our Appalachian Collections, found under Collections.

Do you have County or State records?

The Archives of Appalachia has the Washington County (TN) Court Records and the Watauga Historical Association Collection. For State records, go to the Tennessee State Library and Archives web site.

What would you suggest I do next?

Sherrod Library may have genealogical resources helpful to you. For information, go to the Sherrod Library web site.

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Local History Research

Does the Archives have materials relating to local history?

Yes. The Archives of Appalachia has several collections relating to local history. Please refer to Local History under Browse Subjects. For a more comprehensive search, go to Appalachian Collections under Collections. You may also want to search the Library Online Catalog for published local histories housed in Sherrod Library and the Archives.

Do you have old editions of local newspapers?

No. We recommend you use the Library Online Catalog to locate old editions of newspapers found in Sherrod Library.

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Guidelines for Use

What do I need to know about using materials in the Archives of Appalachia?

Guidelines for using the Archives of Appalachia can be found under How to Use the Archives. Our Access Services and Fees Policy is under Services.

Please be advised: Copyright, donor restrictions, privacy concerns, conservation requirements, and material format may limit the use of some archival holdings.

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Films & Recordings

What do I need to know about using moving-image and sound recordings in the Archives of Appalachia?

Guidelines for using the Archives of Appalachia can be found under How to Use the Archives. Our Access Services and Fees Policy is under Services. To protect original recordings, it is necessary for us to duplicate moving-image and sound recordings for research use. For this reason, it recommended that you contact the Archives in advance so that copies can be made.

Please be advised: Copyright, donor restrictions, conservation concerns, and material format may limit the use of some moving-image and sound recordings.

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Forms & Fees

What forms do I need to request information from the Archives of Appalachia?

For reference requests, you may use our online Reference Request Form.

You will need to complete a Request for Duplication Services Form or Audio-Visual Loan Form before copies of print or audio-visual materials can be provided. These are found under Services.

What are the fees for using the Archives?

Information on fees can be found in our Access Services and Fees Policy under Services.

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Hours of Operation

What are the hours of operation for the Archives of Appalachia?

The Archives of Appalachia is open Monday - Friday, 9:00 to 4:30, with the exception of University holidays. Before your visit, you may want to call the Archives at (423) 439-4338 to make certain we are open.

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Contact Us

How can I contact the Archives of Appalachia?

For reference requests, please use our online Reference Request Form. You may also write us at the address below.

For information about the Archives, call Georgia Greer at (423) 439-4338 or e-mail us at archives@etsu.edu. Norma Myers, Director, can be reached at (423) 439-6991. More detailed contact information can be found under Archives Staff.

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