Archives are useful only if you can locate the information. Archives differ from "normal" libraries in that they are not grouped together by subject, but rather by originating agency or author. For example, books about Fords, Chevrolets, and Nissans would be grouped by a library under the general heading of "Automobiles". Archives, however, would separately classify and store documents relating to them by company-manufacturer.

The first thing you look for in the archival indexes are individual name, corporate name, and title of the item.

Storage

Archives are generally maintained as the historical record of the region, institution, or because a government regulation. Documents are historical in nature, and probably original (not copies or mass-produced). Storage requirements include a cool, dark area away from humidity and high (or fluctuating) temperatures, and protected by security and fire systems. Optimal are 50 degrees with around 50% (or lower) humidity. Items should be kept away from sources of heat, light, moisture, and chemicals (i.e. paint). They should also be protected from daily use by the general public.

Using Archival Collections

Most archival collections do not 'circulate' to the public. Patrons will usually be required to sign-in to use materials under limited supervision in an enclosed area. Since these items are deemed valuable and possibly irreplaceable, concerns about theft and vandalism are valid.

Some archives may require patrons to use cotton gloves when handling the material; this is to avoid oil and dirt from even clean hands from touching---and eventually damaging---the material over time.

Photocopying the material is usually performed by the archives staff. It may be done on special photocopying machines with angled copy screens that will avoid damage to the book spine. Acid-free paper is normally used, and any binding is done using acid-free glue, paper, and storage boxes.

Cloth materials are stored separate from each other; silk, cotton, nylon (etc) have separate rates of deterioration, and are also influenced by the threads used in the material, thread used in additions (i.e. cuffs, piping), and dyes used in coloring the material. Acidic materials, including (but not limited to) food, dirt, grease, and body oils all can deteriorate materials almost as quickly as paper.

Source:
Hansen, Steven J. (Comp.) Archives, Personal Papers, and Manuscripts: A Cataloging
     Manual for Archival Repositories, Historical Societies, and Manuscript Libraries.
     Chicago: Society of American Archivists,1989.