1. Check the Library Catalogue

All PEI Collection and University Archives’ books, reports, government documents, etc. are catalogued in the Robertson Library’s main on-line catalogue.

• Try adding the phrase prince edward island to PEI-related searches, and university of
  prince edward island to searches for material relating to UPEI. Avoid acronyms, such as
  P.E.I./PEI or U.P.E.I./UPEI.

• When viewing the full catalogue record, check under Location for duplicate copies, as
  some PEI titles may have copies available in STACKS for borrowing.
  Remember, however, that any PEI Collection and University Archives’ titles housed in
  Special Collections are non-circulating, and can only be used in the Library.

• The Special Collections Room is closed-stack  (i.e. you must ask staff to retrieve materials) so note clearly the following information and bring it with you to the University Archives and Special Collections Help Desk:
  

Books -- Title, Call #, and Location

(i) SPEC-PEI = PEI Collection
(ii) SPEC-ARCH = University Archives

2. Check the PEI Collection Card Catalogue and PEI Article Databases

The card catalogue in the Special Collections’ Reading Room is arranged by subject: ask for assistance if you’re not sure which heading to check. The catalogue provides access to pre-1997 P.E.I. periodical indexing, to the thousands of pamphlets, clippings, etc. in the PEI Vertical File, and to other information resources not found in the on-line catalogue.

If you find a heading with lots of cards under it, remember that cards within a particular heading are sorted alphabetically by author name, or by item title where no author is credited. Some popular subject headings are also subdivided, as shown below.

P.E.I. - Biography - [name of person - last name first]
P.E.I. - Business Firms - [name of business]
P.E.I. - Local History - [name of community]

If you are not sure what information to record from an index card, flag the card with a slip of scrap paper and show it to Special Collections’ staff.

3. Check islandarchives.ca

While it still represents only a fraction of the content available in the University Archives and Special Collections, this large and and ever-growing digital repository of PEI-related books, maps, sound recordings, and periodicals is always worth a look! This is still a work-in-progress, so don't hesitate to ask for assistance (see below).

4. Check With Library Staff

The Reference Desk in the Library's Learning Commons is the main service point for the PEI Collection, University Archives, the microfilm/microfiche collections, and Rare Books. The UASC Librarian, whose office is located in the Special Collections reading area, may also be available to assist you (appointment recommended -- 566-0536 * slloyd@upei.ca).

Appointments with UASC staff for visits outside of scheduled hours and for in-depth reference consultations may be arranged.