General Tips

Before learning more specific details about searching for sources, here are some general tips to keep in mind as you contemplate research employing manuscript and archival resources.

• Leave yourself enough time in the searching phase of your project. Expect some frustrating moments.
  
  
• When you ask for reference assistance, be prepared to explain your project or topic clearly and to discuss or demonstrate what searching you have already done on your own.
  
  
• With any database search, do not assume that a search result is comprehensive. Conversely, you cannot know that the collections found will yield enough material for your research project until you read a collection's finding aid and start using the materials.
  
  
• Do not write a project proposal before actually looking at the material. It may not be what you expect.
  
  
• You must know the language of the creator of the records you intend to use. Original documents are not normally accompanied by translations in your native language.
  
  
• Collections generally are not rearranged from the order their creator imposed upon them. You should not expect to find everything on a topic arranged together.
  
  
• Before visiting a repository, you should always call or write ahead of your visit, to ensure the materials that you wish to examine are available for research.