Introduction

This page provides a selection of sample archives reference questions. The questions support training and orientation for new employees in the Dalhousie University Archives. Reference questions are divided into three categories:

• Known-item questions

• Discovery questions

• Questions that involve referrals

Known-item reference questions

People

1. Can I look at poetry manuscripts written by Florence Murray, a medical missionary and writer that did mission service for the Presbyterian Church in Korea?

Research data

1. Do you have data from “The Impact of Universal Medicare on the Previously Insured Poor and Nonpoor,” a study on the impact of medicare in Nova Scotia by Murray G. Brown and Vernon A. Hicks?
   

2. Can I access research data related to the Africville Relocation Study conducted by Don Clairmont and Dennis Magill?

Special Collections

1. I searched Novanet and found a call number for a book that is located in Special Collections. How do I access this book?

Discovery reference questions

People

1. I am trying to find out when the Dalhousie Review was founded and who was the first editor.
   

2. Can you tell me who operated the Solar Audio and Recording Studio on Wyse Road in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia?
   

3. Who received honourary degrees from Dalhousie University in 1971?
   

4. I am studying the history of eugenics in Canadian higher education, specifically looking at how eugenics was taught within the curriculum. I am interested in learning more about Dr. William H. Hattie, Dr. O.J. McCully, Nova Scotia League for the Care and Protection of Feeble-Minded Persons, F.C.S Schiller, and Maude Merrill.
   

5. A graduate of Dalhousie has requested a confirmation of graduation letter. [NAME] graduated with a Master of Health Education in 1992. Can you please confirm the graduation date, degree, and program?

Research data

1. I am looking for data on medical billing in Nova Scotia during the 1970s.
   

2. I am gathering sources for a longitudinal study of bacteria in freshwater lakes. Do you have any archival research data?

Science

1. I need to find information on plants in Southeastern Nova Scotia.

Special Collections

1. Dalhousie

Questions that involve referrals

1. I work for [government department] and I saw a photograph in your archival collection that I would like to use as part of a digital exhibit. Can I use this photograph in my project? Who should I contact?
   

2. This finding aid includes a description of a 5.25 inch floppy disk. Can I access the files on this disk?