The internet is full of information, but sometimes what youre looking for needs a different approach.
Heres how to get started.
Make no mistake: the Internet is a researchers dream.
However, there are some things that just havent gone digital yet.
Perhaps youre interested in genealogy, and want to map out your family tree.
Maybe youre adopted and searching for your biological parents.
The Internet may help, but it wont be a complete resource by any means.
These limitations arent restricted to things like history, either.
Maybe you want to pull voting records and help people get registered to vote.
Put your newsie cap on.
If you have access to a University, presidential, or other major library, head there.
before you dive in digging on your own, make an appointment to talk to a reference librarian.
After all,theyre there to helpand can get your research started on the right foot.
Many will even do some of the legwork for you.
We should note that a reference librarian isnt about to do your work for you.
Regardless, talking to a librarian should be your first step.
Reach out to theLibrary of Congressand theNational Archives.
You dont have to be in Washington DC to make great use of them (although that helps).
If not, you’re free to always use their request form.
Youll get a response in a few business days.
verify to plan for the time it may take to get those documents.
Thats easier in some cases than others.
That can make things pretty difficult, regardless of whether your interests are conventional or contentious.
In these situations, you have a few options.
Make absolutely sure that youre working with the right agency to handle your inquiries.
Worst case, you canalways go in person and talk to someoneyourself.
Second, if you think getting the information you need might be difficult, file a formal petition.
This is where more specific letters, drafted and sent to multiple officials, come in.
Dont be afraid to work your way up the chain.
TheElectronic Frontier Foundation has a great guide to this process,as does Public Citizenandthe National Security Archive.
Of course, be professional in all cases.
That doesnt mean you shouldnt try.
After all, youre the one asking for a favor, so you should be ready to be flexible.
In short, make it easy for them to say yes.
Once youre in, you’re free to ask all of the questions you want answered.
Even if the discussion was contentious, you never know when you might need their help again.
Digitize those notes and the recordings of your interviews.
Part of the reason this is important is to check that you have it all in a safe place.
You dont want to go through all of it again if you dont have to.
Title photo byEverett Collection(Shutterstock),JMicic(Shutterstock), andTinatin(Shutterstock).
Additional photos byAlexander Baxevanis,Ellen Forsyth,Eric Chan,Aude,nuggety247, andTed.
