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United States Military Academy Library


Tutorials and Digital Learning Objects

A repository for tutorials and digital learning objects for USMA Library.

USMA Archives and Special Collections (ASC) is a unique and fascinating source of archival records, manuscripts, rare books, maps, and other resources related to the Academy and its graduates. Click on the tabs below for tutorials, interactive graphics, and links about USMA ASC.

Tutorial Menu - scroll for descriptions

The Whats and Whys of Archives : Approximately 7 minutes

  • What an archives is and why archives are important
  • Archival silence
  • The difference between archives and libraries


USMA as an Affiliated Archives: Approximately 5 minutes

  • What is an affiliated archives?
  • Why is West Point Archives and Special Collections unique as an affiliated archives?
     

What to Expect in an Archives: Approximately 6 minutes

  • Finding aids
  • Material handling guidelines
  • Reading room guidelines

 

USMA Archives and Special Collections: Approximately 5 minutes

  • Information about the USMA archives, the manuscripts collection, and special collections

 

Using SCOUT and ArchivesSpace to find ASC materials: Approximately 10 minutes

  • Practice using ArchivesSpace to search the archives, and SCOUT to search manuscripts and special collections

 

Primary Sources and Historical Research: Approximately 5 minutes

  • How primary sources are related to historical questions

 

Developing Historical Research Questions: Approximately 5 minutes

  • Learn how to develop excellent research questions

 

Primary and Secondary Sources: Approximately 7 minutes

  • Learn the difference between primary and secondary sources

 

Graphics Menu:

  • The Differences between Libraries and Archives
  • The Levels of Archives from Record Group to Item
  • Materials in the Archives, Manuscripts, and Special Collections Areas of USMA ASC
  • The Interconnectivity of SCOUT, ArchivesSpace, and Aeon
  • An Example of USMA Archives RG 404 Hierarchy
  • The Process of Accessioning Archival Material
  • Primary Sources

This interactive graphic depicts the differences between archives and libraries, specifically what types of materials they have and who manages those materials.


This interactive graphic shows the hierarchy of archives from group to item. The definition of each level is found within the interactivity features.


This interactive graphic differentiates the types of materials found in USMA archives, manuscripts, and special collections.


This interactive graphic demonstrates how three West Point-specific software platforms, SCOUT, ArchivesSpace, and Aeon, work together to help cadets and researchers find and access materials from Archives and Special Collections.


This graphic shows a small part of Record Group 404 from the USMA Archives. 


This interactive graphic shows the process beginning at receiving archival materials and finishing with the materials being available for use.


This interactive graphic provides examples of different types of primary sources.

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