This article is the sidebar to Michael John Neill's article Preparing for Your Library Research Trip."
Bring office supples
Adequate note-taking materials are necessary and should be obtained before you leave, particularly writing utensils and paper. Since some repositories do not allow the use of pens, a supply of pencils (and a pencil sharpener) should be brought. Lined letter-size paper for note-taking is preferable to other sizes. Notebook paper that is "microperforated" is ideal-the sheets tear out cleanly and don't leave scraps of paper in your files. Empty file folders can be used to organize your copies as you make them (or to keep copies from the same source together).
Bring money
Having adequate change for the copy machine is an absolute necessity. Rolls of dimes and quarters can be obtained at your bank before starting your trip. Few facilities will break a twenty for dimes, and getting change at the last minute is a big time-waster. Unused rolls can either be used later or returned to your bank.
Prepare to be searched
It's likely that security personnel will want to search your briefcase or purse. You might be told to place these items in a locker, so have your research materials entirely in your notebook so you aren't sifting them from your briefcase at the last minute.
Learn the facility's schedule and location
You'll need to know the facility's address and exact location. While locating the facility may not be a problem in smaller areas, facilities in metropolitan centers are easier to find with specific directions. Locating where you can park (and when and at what cost) is another concern in larger areas. Some facilities are overwhelmed with patrons during the week before and after a major genealogical conference; it may be best to visit facilities located on a college campus when school is not in session (assuming they're open). Find out if there are certain times of the year that should be avoided. You might not want to arrive in a small town whose population quadruples during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival! The facility's hours also should be learned in advance of the trip. The facility may have different summer hours, or only be open certain days of the week.
Contact the facility
Visiting the library's Web site or writing for more information (asking for details on hours, location, collection details, research policies, etc.) should answer many of these questions and provide additional details about the library's collection.
Michael John Neill is the Web columnist for the FGS FORUM and is on the editorial board of the Illinois State Genealogical Society Quarterly. He conducts seminars and lectures on a wide variety of genealogical and computer topics and contributes to several genealogical publications, including Ancestry and Genealogical Computing. You can e-mail him at: mneill@asc.csc.cc.il.us or visit his website at: http://www.rootdig.com/
Ancestry Magazine
