A Survival Guide to Archival Research
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Advanced preparations help your archive research
experience to be efficient, fun, and less daunting. Here are
some tips to help both neophytes and the experienced in
their quests for primary sources.
Use your people skills. Establish an excellect relationship
with the reference person or archivist. Remember their
names. After a while, you begin to know who knows what
about what.
Learn the archives' photocopying policies before you even
begin your research. Know the costs, procedures, forms,
restrictions, and timeframe. Delays, fees, and frustration
can accumulate of they do copy outsourcing or if sensitive
materials require professional handling. All necessary details
in determining whether your research gems should be
hand-scribed or conveniently copied. Planning ahead can
save time (even money) in the archives.