How do I start my research?
- Be clear on exactly what you are researching. It is easier to research a number of narrow topics one-by-one than to try to research an entire subject in one go
- Use the library to undertake background reading of your chosen area before trying to use original documents. You might find that someone else has already done the research, or provided a complete transcription of the document
- Read footnotes and bibliographies. They often provide references of useful documents, or reveal the location of original records
- Make use of published guides and the internet to determine where appropriate material is held
- Finally, visit the archive office. The background work you have done will help you make the most of your time there
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