A finding aid is a guide to a manuscript collection. It functions much like the preface for a book in that it reveals the origin, background, contents, and arrangement of a collection.

Finding aids are critical tools for researchers who use them to determine the relevance of a collection to their research and to identify specific parts of a collection they need.

Just as manuscript collections are unique so too are the finding aids that describe them. Finding aids differ in both the quality and quantity of description and some are easier to use than others. While finding aids vary in detail and ease of use, they do share some characteristics.

Common features of finding aids:

• Administrative Information
  Outlines the collection's provenance and indicates any usage restrictions or access options and limitations.
• Biographical Note or Organizational History
  Provides background information on the individuals or organizations within the collection.
• Collection Overview
  Describes the collection's size, contents, document types, arrangement, and subject matter.
• Series Descriptions
• Summarizes the scope and content of a group of materials designated as a series within the collection.
  
• Container List or Inventory
• Characterizes the contents of each box or folder of materials. The inventory rarely lists each document.
  
  
  quick review

  Finding aids usually list every item in a collection individually.

  True False