University Archives and Special Collections collects and preserves materials related to the history of UMass Boston, providing academic research support for the university community. University Archives and Special Collections recognizes a formal commitment to working with, promoting, and assisting community archives in the Greater Boston area through facilitating cross-organization collaboration and access to informational, educational, and practical resources relevant to archival procedures and best practices.

This manual is intended to be used as a training guide for graduate-level interns, volunteers, and professional archivists new to working in University Archives and Special Collections (UASC). It is also intended to bring consistent practices to UASC and to serve as a reference source for staff.