An Introduction to Bibliographical Tools in Spanish Archives and Manuscript Collections Relating to Hispanic America
I HE PURPOSE of this article is to ilntroduce the student of Hispanic American history to the more importailt printed and malluseript catalogues, guides, invelntories, cardindexes and other bibliographical tools available in the key Spanish repositories. First of all, a few practical suggestions for the student doing research in such centers for the first time. An introductory letter from one of the officials of the institution with which the student is connected usually suffices to secure the requisite authorization to carry on research in Spanish archives and libraries. Thus recommended, the student may consult the documents of the Archivo Historieo Naciolnal in Madrid, the Archivo General de Indias in Seville, the Archivo General de Simaneas, and many others. Regulations, however, vary greatly; in consequence, the student should be ready to comply with them. Thus the Museo Naval in Madrid requires two photographs (passport size) of the researcher, and as some other research centers require the same, the student would do well to have on hand a dozen or so of such photographs. The Real Academia de Historia in Madrid gralnts permission to consult its manuscripts only upon preselntation of a letter of recommendation from one's natiolnal colnsulate. As a rule, these documents are placed ol file, thus authorizilng the researcher to return during an indefinite period of time. The Biblioteca de Palacio in Madrid requires a letter petitioniing to consult its manuscripts, and usually grants authorization for a year at a time. But, without exception, the studelnt will find the regulations easy to comply with and the personnel most ready to help. Deeply appreciated and certainly a good will gesture that prepares the way for other investigators is to send an offprint of one 's research