Collection Type

If you want to search only for photographs, for example, choose 'Photograph' from the drop-down menu.
If you want to search the entire Archives database, don't choose anything and leave the box blank.

UID Field

When you do a search in the archives database, you will see the UID (unique identifier) field on the left of the screen. The UID is the catalogue number for the item(s) you are looking at. Each file, photograph, recording, etc. in the Archives' holdings has a unique catalogue number, and everything is stored and accessed by catalogue number.

Catalogue numbers may also appear in the Description to identify individual items or files in a series. If you encounter a catalogue number in the Description for a specific item or file you want, please provide us with that catalogue number so that we can locate that specific item or file for you.

You need to provide us with the catalogue number(s) when you contact us with questions or with an order. Without the catalogue number(s), it is impossible for us to find the item(s) you want.

DESCRIPTION [Keyword Search]

Type a word or phrase into this box, and every catalogue entry with that word or phrase will be displayed. The more specific the word or phrase, the more specific - and better - your results will be. Typing in words like 'Lethbridge', 'mine', street' by themselves will swamp you with catalogue entries, and likely hinder your research.

One of the changes we are making in the database is to spell everything out. For example, RCAF or R.C.A.F. will be replaced with Royal Canadian Air Force. However, acronyms still exist in the database and it's a good idea to search for them as well as the full name.

People's names are not always spelled consistently. It's always a good idea to try several possible spellings of a person's name to be sure of finding everything that might be in the Archives.

DATES

It's a good idea to type just the year in this box, to be sure you retrieve everything that might be of interest.