Research Advice

Find a topic that suits your interests.

Sometimes, this is easier said than done. One of the best ways to find a topic to research is to read the literature of an event or historical process that is interesting to you. Consider what has been said about it before and identify any holes or unanswered questions. For others, inspiration may not come from the literature but from the sources themselves. If you know of a primary source you enjoy, try finding others that relate to it and think about what they say when viewed together.

Mine citations and bibliographies.

Most historical work relies on archival sources, and published works reflect that. Historical citations are often very detailed. Reading through the footnotes, endnotes, and bibliographies of secondary sources related to your topic can help guide you toward the archives and manuscript collections you will need.

Explore archives’ online catalogs prior to visiting.

Time can be precious when researching, especially if you are on fellowship or travelling a fair distance. Make sure you know what you want to research before visiting an archive. Check online catalogs, finding aids, and subject guides to get an idea of what collections you want. The more specific you are ahead of time (collection number, box number, folder number, etc.), the easier it will be once you’re in the archive.

Talk to archivists and librarians.

No one knows more about the collections you want to view than the people who curate them. Reach out to archivists, librarians, and other staff before, during, and after you visit an archive to better understand what you are looking at. Some may even be able to point you towards collections you had not found yet!

What to expect at the archive.

Each archive is different and has its own protocols. Knowing these before you arrive will save you time and hassle. Most research libraries require photo ID before allowing access. Local archives may even ask for a small admission fee or donation. Its also not uncommon for an archive to ask you to store your bags or backpacks in coin-operated lockers. Some archives will have cafeterias or vending machines, but not all. Temperatures can also vary. Be sure you review the archive’s policies before attending.

Be Prepared

Its a terrible feeling to arrive at an archive and not have everything you need. There are a variety of electronics and utensils you will want to take, depending on the type of research you are doing. If you plan to use a laptop or camera, make sure they are charged and do not forget to pack your chargers and extra memory cards. Thumb drives are a must for digital scholarship, especially when taking scans. And nothing beats the classic pencil and paper.

Take detailed notes.

Once you visit an archive, you may not get a chance to go back. This makes it very important to take detailed notes while you are there. This not only means annotating the sources you find, but also writing down exactly where you found each item. If you are snapping pictures of collections to view later, take the time to photograph box and folder numbers. And make sure to save your pictures in correct order! The more intricate you are at documenting your research the easier your citations will be.