Planning a Genealogy Research Trip

Whether you are actually taking a road trip to find some archived records, or just heading across town to visit the library, planning your genealogy research trip can help you make the most of your time. The more efficient your work, the more likely it will be that you find what you need.

1. Decide what you are looking for. Unless you have unlimited time resources and can read through everything, you should make a list of the specific documents/information that you are looking for. It is really easy to get distracted and forget why you're even there. If you come across something that you want to pursue further, make a note of it. You can either come back to that later, after you've done the research you started out with or you may need to make another trip altogether. But if you allow yourself to be waylaid at every turn, nothing will get accomplished.

2. Verify access to the records. Don't make your trip unless you know for sure that the genealogical records you are looking for are actually there. Perhaps that book you need has been loaned out, or the old newspaper archives are stored elsewhere. Websites can be out-of-date, so just because you found an index online that claims to be from your library, doesn't mean the actual resource is still at that particular location. Call beforehand and double-check. Oh, and ask if you need to make a reservation for use of film readers.

3. Check the operating hours. This relates to the last point. Libraries, court houses and newspaper offices may not have typical nine-to-five hours. And even if they do, the archives might not. A large library might have a room specifically for genealogy resources that is only open certain times. Make no assumptions.

4. Pack supplies. Depending on what you are looking for and how you like to take notes, you will either want to bring plenty of paper and pencils, or even your laptop computer. Pocket text scanners or a digital camera might also come in handy. Check beforehand to make sure these electronic items are allowed. Bring change for the photocopier. Some places let you pay for all your copies at once, but some will only have change-fed machines. Little things like post-it notes, paper clips and empty file folders can also be handy.

5. Record your sources. This isn't a planning tip, but something to remember while you are there. Make sure you record all the details on where you've found your information. Take note of everything you can, including your location even though that might seem obvious at the moment. Five years from now, you might find that you need to use the same source again and can't remember where you found it.

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