Ask the Archivist

Ask the Archivist is a service that provides answers to basic questions regarding archives and special collections. CDLC members are eligible to use this service.

Archivists at several of the Councils of the Empire State Library Network (ESLN) staff this service. The staff will provide advice to colleagues on all aspects of archival work, such as processing, preservation, reference, acquisition, appraisal, and digital projects. We invite all your questions on archives and special collections, big or small. Questions can be submitted through the form below. If the form below does not work for you click here to open it in a new window.

This is currently a one-year pilot project. Some facets of the service may change if ESLN decides to continue the service after the end of the pilot.

Recently Answered Questions!

“Ask the Archivist ” was developed and piloted by the Empire State Library Network (ESLN) in 2022, and is now a service to members of nine regional library councils in New York. All “Ask the Archivist” answers are the copyright of ESLN.

This service, and its content, are in service of the missions of New York State’s libraries and archives. Reproduction of this content, other than for internal use by a council member organization, can only be done with permission.

For all other inquiries to reproduce this content, please write to the hosting library council, who will reach out to the author or respond directly.

“Ask the Archivist” is a trademark of the Empire State Library Network whose members include the Capital District Library Council, Central New York Library Council, Long Island Library Resources Council, Metropolitan New York Library Resources Council, Northern New York Library Council, Rochester Regional Library Council, South Central Regional Library Council, Southeastern New York Library Resources Council, and Western New York Library Resources Council,