Catalogues and indices
The primary finding aid is still the extensive series of hard-copy indices, which offers a limited place name, personal name and subject access to most of the collections. These indices are sometimes complex, and members of the public will frequently require the assistance of a member of staff to use them effectively.
The photographic collections, however, are currently the subject of a major digitisation project. It is the intention to have the entire archive captured in electronic form, and available (with sophisticated searching facilities) on screen to researchers in St Andrews and elsewhere. Researchers are welcome to visit the library to use it but it is essential that appointments are made in advance with the Special Collections office. The Library Photographic Archive is now available online.
More detailed descriptions of each of the major collections, as well as search access to all of the photographs, will gradually become available as the digitisation project proceeds.