Hidden Collections FAQ

  1. What is a "Hidden Collection"?

  2. How current is the information in the Hidden Collections database?

  3. How do I search the Hidden Collections database?

  4. How do I search the Hidden Collections themselves?

  5. How do I get access to materials in the Hidden Collections?

  6. How can I get a list of all Hidden Collections in the library?

  7. Who can I contact for more information?

 

1. What is a "Hidden Collection"?

"Hidden" collections include library materials in any format (print, microform, video, etc.) that cannot be found in the online catalog or may be found there only under a collective title, without online records for the individual pieces within the set.

2. How current is the information in the Hidden Collections database?

The current database reflects the state of affairs as of April 11th, 2000, when the Hidden Collections Report was finalized. Plans are underway to bring the contents of the database up to date and keep them current by means of ongoing revisions.

3. How do I search the Hidden Collections database?

Use the Search button on the bottom of the Hidden Collections Search page. To alter selection parameters, use the scroll bars at the right of each box to scroll down until you find your selection, then highlight it.

In order to select a particular collection, you must first select the department where the collection is stored. Once you do this, a list of all collections found in that department appears in the Collection field.

For instance, to view only the record for the Traffic Institute Archives collection, first choose "Transportation" in the Department field. A list of collections will appear in the Collection field; scroll through them until you find name "Traffic Institute Archives", highlight it, and click the Search button.

If you know the name of a collection, but not the department where it is stored, you can generate a list of all Hidden Collections and then search in the page for the name of the collection.

4. How do I get a list of all Hidden Collections in the database?

By default, clicking the Search button on the Hidden Collections Search page without selecting any search parameters generates a list of all Hidden Collections.

5. How do I search for a specific item within one of the Hidden Collections?

Generally speaking, the only way to search a specific Hidden Collection is by going to the department where it is stored. The staff of that department will be able to answer your questions about how each collection is organized, what search aids might exist, and possibly even give details on specific contents. Incomplete information on some searching aids is found in the Catalog Info and Notes fields of the records for individual collections.

6. How do I get access to materials in the Hidden Collections?

Contact the staff of the department where the particular collection you are interested in is stored. In general, the only way to access any of these materials is to visit the collection in person.

7. Who can I contact for more information?

The original Hidden Collections Report is online here. If you have additional questions, please contact the Catalog Department.

Return to the Hidden Collections Search.