Intellectual Arrangement

A manuscript collection is usually arranged into groupings called series. A series is a group of materials related by source, document type, purpose, chronology, or topic.

While every collection has a unique arrangement, grouping by either document type or chronology is common. For example, a collection might have three series of different document types: correspondence, photographs and maps. The items within these series may then be filed chronologically.

Physical Arrangement

The physical arrangement of the collection generally reflects the intellectual arrangement of the collection, meaning items within a series will usually be physically placed together.

Manuscripts are physically arranged in folders. These folders are then housed in boxes, which are shelved in the stacks.

Odd size items and audio-visual formats may be housed and shelved separately for optimum preservation. For example, large maps or posters are often laid flat and stored in map cases.

A map case for storing large items flat.	A section of stacks in the Manuscripts Department. Notice how the oversize material is shelved separately to the left.
A document case from the Cameron Family Papers	Open reel audio tapes