What Are These Reference Reports?
In the past, NARA staff members produced many brief Research Reports, now called
Reference Reports, on a wide variety of specific subjects and record types related to
about 10-15 broad categories. These Reference Reports typically include a brief overview
of a specific topic or record type and descriptions of what types of information are
available on that topic, where it's located, its availability, etc. Resources may include
NARA microfilm; indexes; published and unpublished records; printed government
documents; other types of finding aids; and more. While a few digital resources are
included in some reports, most reports focus on paper and microfilmed resources
at NARA. The reports are an easy way to become acquainted with the various types
of records that are available and they can even help you get better search results.
