ABSTRACT
The Frederich Froebel Archive for Childhood Studies is regarded as a highly important resource on its subject. This chapter presents several archives as a research facility and inspiration to their users through the eyes of an archivist. Following an introduction to its holdings, it describes the archive's user groups. The chapter discusses the co-relation between the user and the archive professional, and the benefits of this co-relation to all parties involved, including the archive itself. The findings are largely drawn from observation and experience in working with the archive for more than a decade and can therefore be seen as a personal account. Much of the Froebel Archive holdings have been donated by former students or other individuals associated with the Incorporated Froebel Educational Institute during the 1980s and 1990s. The Froebel Archive has maintained a close relationship with the School of Education at the University of Roehampton.
