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"Finding aids" are descriptions of special collections and archives materials, which may include information such as:

• Historical note: background of the historical period or events covered by the material
• Scope and content note: general description of the kinds of material included in the collection
• Content list: detailed list (often by box and/or folder number) of material in the collection
• Bibliography: References to books or articles related to the topic of the collection

Finding aids often are significant documents themselves, containing substantial information about the topic or person covered by the archival collection. They provide an important mechanism for learning about special collections and archives held by Georgetown University libraries.