Most archives organize their holdings by author or donor, rather than by subject. While this method is fine for archivists, it does not always suit researchers since you often need to access materials by subject.

Recognizing that many researchers may benefit from handout sheets identifying all records on a given topic, the Archives of Michigan created its Circulars, or finding aids, which list its holdings on specific subjects. The Archives of Michigan Circulars page presents an inventory of these subjects. As new records are received by the Archives of Michigan, these accessions are added to the circulars. Each circular includes its most recent revision date in the upper right corner of the first page.

What Do the Circular Column Headings Mean?

You will see a column heading like this on many of the circulars:

• The AGENCY is a department or office of Michigan state government or a nongovernmental organization that has donated records to the Archives of Michigan. (This column may also be titled "department," "agency," etc.)
• The RG NO. is the record group in which the documents have been classified. The archivist goes to this record group in the stacks to locate records you request. If there are two RG numbers (e.g., 69-12), the first number indicates the record group, and the second indicates the number of records in that group.
• If the records are manuscript records rather than governmental, MS may replace the RG in the number.
• The LOT number is a further refinement of the record group.
• Records are stored in acid-free boxes or other containers. Each box is given a BOX number. A box may contain one or more numbered files (sometimes indicated with an F), each holding specific documents or groups of documents. When you fill out a request for records in the reading room, the box(es) you list will be brought to your table.
• The SUBJECT indicates the type of records included. Some subjects are specific, such as diaries, ledgers financial ledgers, or photographs. Others may simply indicate "files," "cases" or "records." By examining the contents of the box you—the researcher—will determine whether it holds the information you seek.
• Some circulars will also have columns for information specific to their record types, such as "district" for schools, "facility" for hospitals and "collection" for nongovernmental donated records.

Click Archives of Michigan to visit the Archives of Michigan home page.

Updated 05/01/2006

Archives of Michigan
Michigan Library and Historical Center
702 W. Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, MI 48913
Phone: (517) 373-1408
E-mail: archives@michigan.gov

Michigan Historical Center, Department of History, Arts and Libraries
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