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How to Use Gale Databases

Gale databases provide reliable sources for background information, scholarly research, and current issues. Use this guide to learn how to search Gale eBooks, Academic OneFile, and Opposing Viewpoints in Context to support your research and class assignme

Archives Unbound

Using Archives Unbound

Archives Unbound provides access to digitized collections of historical primary sources, including letters, reports, diaries, organizational records, newspapers, and other rare materials, organized into themed collections. Each collection focuses on a specific topic, region, or era, making it a powerful resource for in-depth research using original documents.

These collections span subjects such as U.S. history, civil rights, women’s movements, colonialism, international relations, religious studies, and more. Content comes from archives, universities, and historical societies, curated by Gale for teaching and research.

Search Tips

  • Use keywords or exact phrases in the main search box (e.g., "civil rights", "mission schools")
  • Combine concepts with AND, OR, and NOT to refine results
  • Try Advanced Search to target specific fields like
    • Content Type:
      • Archives Unbound Newspapers for contemporaneous reporting
      • Manuscripts for letters and records
      • Monographs for pamphlets or longer works
    • Publication date(s) – Before / On / After / Between (option to include items with unknown dates)
    • Language
  • Explore Topic Finder to visualize related themes and discover new search ideas
  • Filter results by Collection, Source Library, Document Type, Date, or Language
  • Use the Cite tool to generate citations, and export to Google Drive or OneDrive

Best for:

  • Research projects using primary sources
  • Historical and cultural analysis papers
  • Studying movements, policies, or events over time
  • Exploring authentic archival materials for essays or presentations

Learn how to perform these actions and more in the video demonstration below:

0:00 Introduction: What is Archives Unbound
0:23 Accessing the Database from the BC Homepage
0:44 Finding Archives Unbound in A–Z Databases
1:16 Starting a Basic Search
1:38 Advanced Search Overview
2:33 Using Search Limiters (Collections, Content Type, Date)
3:45 Exploring Results and Document Tools
5:55 Topic Finder
6:34 Exploring Collections
7:45 Wrap-Up and Research Tips