Getting Started

It just requires a few steps to take advantage of the educational opportunities afforded by the AHC's collections. The first steps are to determine the type of assignment (see example) and research topic you're interested in having your students work on. To better understand what topical areas the AHC documents, please review our Collections by Subject Area. Each of the topics found in this area include links to additional resources, including resource guides, catalog records, and online inventories. You can also view some Popular Research Topics that are often explored by instructors and students. 

Once you have decided on a topic and type of assignment, please contact the AHC Reference Department (ahcref@uwyo.edu or 766-3756). The Reference Department can schedule a bibliographic instruction session for your students in order to introduce access and use of archival material.  They can also work with you to identify specific collections for your class. It may be helpful for you to come to the AHC and review these materials yourself to insure their suitability. Once you have formulated your assignment, identified materials, and reserved time for your students to use the AHC, you are ready to go.

Please be aware that the AHC cannot accept walk-in classes. We require a two-week notice before the date you would like to bring your class in for a bibliographic instruction session.

For more information about using the AHC for your class, please visit our Instructional Services page.

Suggestions for Collections to Collect or Digitize

We recognize that, as an expert in your field, you may be aware of material the AHC should seek to collect or digitize. We invite you to let us know about it. Material collected is determined by our collecting policy and financial resources.  We can also collaborate with you to digitize specific collection material that  you may wish to use in assignments, especially if you plan on giving the same assignment for several semesters. These digital records could be more convenient for your students.

Grants Available to UW Faculty and Students

AHC Teaching and Research Grants offer an opportunity for faculty, staff, and students to pursue projects such as independent or collaborative research projects, course development, and symposia that use AHC's resource material as the basis of the project/course/symposia.  A special award is also available for the dissemination of research and projects.  UW students, faculty, academic professionals, staff, and recognized student organizations are all eligible to apply. 

Each semester the AHC also offers undergraduate research awards in the form of a cash prize to the best undergraduate research paper or project based substantially on materials (manuscripts, archives, rare books, photos, maps, audio, film and video, etc.) at the AHC. Nominations should be submitted by faculty members on behalf of their students.