History Butterflies!


Often the biggest hurdle to overcome for new researchers is the fear of visiting an archive or research repository for the first time! Many researchers, including some seasoned ones, get so anxious about visiting a repository in person that they just avoid going entirely.  While many places have digitized parts of their collections and put them online, there are still many things researchers can miss out on by letting their nerves get in the way.

Tips for Your First Visit!


1) Call or email ahead of time and ask about rules and regulations. 
-Contact the repository at a time when it is not super busy or right when they open or close.  Send a quick email or check their website for hours of operation.

2) Ask a fellow researcher who has already been to the repository for info and advice.  If your research buddy is available you can always bring them along for moral support.  

3) Ignore condescending attitudes! This can be challenging, but remember you are visiting for the first time and the people working there are there everyday.  (Also, you may be the 100th person to ask them where the restroom is located.)

4) Get on google maps and see what the area looks like before you go.  This can help relieve other concerns as well, like parking and directions.

5) Try to find out ahead of time what equipment you can bring or use while visiting ( i.e.: digital scanners, digital cameras, laptop computers, etc.).  

6) Be Brave! The worst thing that could happen is they are closed and you have to come back another day.

7) Warning to student researchers: avoid saying you are working on homework and instead say that you are there to do research, which you are even if that research is part of a homework assignment.  



Coming Soon! Keywords for Communicating With Historians, Librarians, and Archivists!


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