Connecting community college students to primary sources in the archives

Abstract

Traditionally, college archives have been viewed as a place where papers, documents, photos, and materials are preserved for “someday” use. Alternatively, college archives tend to be specialized spaces reserved for academic scholars or advanced student researchers. Using a case study from the College Archives at Queensborough Community College, this paper argues that including archives as a component of undergraduate curriculum can foster an essential fit between students and primary sources. Further, this paper argues for the particular value of incorporating archival research for first-year researchers, specifically community college students. Using hands-on experience and active learning pedagogy to connect community college students to primary sources can foster unique collaborative participation and develop transferable skills that have applications for curriculum across the community college campus.