I’ve spent quite a bit of time using Research Libraries and Archives over the last ten years. I’ve done this not only because that’s where the research took me but found me going down fun rabbit holes. That may make me a little out of the ordinary. But it has also been a steep learning curve which has given me a raft of new skills – some of which I learned the hard and unproductive way. This is one of those articles where we can learn together. I’ve got a couple of research trips coming over the course of this PhD. Regardless of how many times I have visited a new archive, I still make rookie mistakes and forget things. Nonetheless, there is a process for getting to know a new library or archive. While we are on the topic, I have detailed my archival research kit to help you make the most of your limited time!
Essential knowledge for using archival and research libraries
1. Access
Check the library website for information about what you need to get a reader’s pass or card. This seems basic but I’ve heard from the administrative staff at research libraries that this is the most common reason they reject an application. Don’t ask the staff to make an exception – read the website and do as it suggests and you will get access. Remember: Research Libraries want to give you access, they live to give you access, but they also need to protect their material – so do as they ask and you will get one of those cards with the terrible digital images of your lovely mug on it toot sweet.Usually if you have a letter from the University Registrar (stamped – make sure it is stamped) that has your position or degree enrollment (it says you are a PhD student, lecturer, assistant professor etc) and also has your home address on it, as well as a passport or drivers licence this should be sufficient. This is what you will need for the British Library and Cambridge University Libraries. For the Harry Ransome Center, National Library of Scotland, National Library of Australia, McFarlin Library at the University of Tulsa, and National Archives of Australia, a student card is sufficient. In other words, check before you go – you may be able to apply before you arrive; if you can, DO IT! or at least try and make an appointment with those that process your application for access – it will save you time. And Time is Research people!
2. Lockers/Cloak Room
Be aware that almost all major Research Libraries and Archives have rules about what you can take into the Reading Rooms. Many have lockers or cloakrooms to take care of laptop bags, handbags, coats etc. Keep a 25c piece, $1 or 1 pound coin on hand – this is often the deposit needed (though I’ve seen some that take 20p or 50c pieces too). Check these rules in advance and leave large items back in your accommodation.
3. Work out what you need and take only what you really need
Prior Preparation saves serious time and stress. Take a bag by all means but also take a clear plastic bag (and a couple of ziploc bags) to put your laptop, cords, mobile/cell, pencils, sharpener, eraser, paper, readers card and change. Try not to take large amounts of material unrelated to the present research question into the reading room – that chapter you’ve been working on might be good fodder for the train ride but do you really need it in the room? It still might be helpful to have a one-page outline of your project to remind yourself or to share with that reference librarians or to the other researchers you get chatting to in the coffee shop.
b) Pencils
c) readers card
Once you have a readers card you should be able to order at least half a dozen items to be ready on your arrival to the library. You may not be able to do this prior to your first visit, but check anyway – it is possible that you can email a librarian and make a special request (this is good if you have a very limited time in a library and have more than 10 items to look at).Even if you cannot preorder, you really really need to pre-search! In fact, you shouldn’t even plan a trip to a research library or archive unless you have pre-searched their catalogue to make sure that you really need to go. If there is only a couple of items, consider whether your resources are better spent somewhere else. Ask the library if they will copy the relevant section, find out if you can do an inter-library loan of the item, or search WORLDCAT or COPAC to see if you can obtain the resource from another source.
5. Schedule breaks
Search and find a nearby coffee shop or places to eat – this can be a great way to break up your days.
Do you have plans to visit a research library any time soon?
