Talk:Genealogy & Family History Research Guide

Title vs Content of this page [1 February 2010]

The more I work on this page, the more I'm thinking the title is incorrect-- or rather, the content is incorrect for the title.

The content really focuses on taking your resaerch to the next, if not professional, level. It is not an overall research guide for genealogy and family history.

Watchers, what do you think about what, if anything, we should do?

Thanks.

-- Jillaine 08:19, 25 January 2010 (EST)

Okay, I haven't heard from any of you, so I'm going to make a shift. I'm going to create Professional Genealogy Research Guide and move the bulk of what I've compiled here so far, over there, returning THIS page to a more general guide to genealogy and family history. Jillaine 08:46, 1 February 2010 (EST)

Offline Research - Research Kits [25 January 2010]

It was when I wanted to add the following that I realized the disconnect between title and content of this page. Until we figure out how to move forward, I'll place this here, so I don't lose it. Jillaine 08:54, 25 January 2010 (EST)

Contact the archive ahead of time to find out what their requirements or restrictions are-- and also if they'll be available/open when you want to come; in some cases an appointment may be required. That way you can be prepared and not frustrated when you arrive with your laptop and digital camera and are told you can't come in!

What to take with you when conducting offine research: (in no particular order, yet)

Archives

1. a pair of white cotton gloves, if you expect to be handling original documentation or otherwise old materials (some conservators are against the use of cotton gloves)
2. a set of mechanical pencils with extra lead (these maintain a finer, sharper line; do not require interruption to sharpen)
3. a good eraser
4. a magnifying glass
5. a roll of quarters (for parking meters or photocopying machines)
6. strips of scrap paper for bookmarks
7. highlighters (NOT for use on any original materials!)
8. coated paper clips
9. short ruler
10. a thumb drive (or two or three)
11. a couple of bandages (for paper cuts)
12. a small laptop (if allowed); don't forget the a/c power charger
13. a set of index cards and/or legal pads (if laptops not allowed); if you don't know what's allowed, bring both.
14. a digital camera, setting flash to off position; extra batteries; extra memory card
15. a small music player with headphones (if desired/allowed)
16. a notebook or set of cards that contain the location, contact information, hours and requirements of the archive(s) you'll be visiting
17. small stapler (with refills)
18. 8.5x11 yellow sheet to lay on microfilm projection; this enhances contrast
19. a clear, zippered pouch to carry most of the above in so that contents are visible to security personnel.

Going to Cemeteries

1. heavy duty alum foil
2. pruning shears
3. gardening gloves
4. water bottle
5. trash bag

Offline etiquette [25 January 2010]

1. make an appointment (avoid Mondays if possible)
2. dress business casual (for archives; gardening clothes if cemeteries)
3. be firmly assertive, but friendly
4. work as unobtrusively as possible
5. thank the staff upon leaving
6. follow up with a thank you note/small gift (chocolates are almost always well received)