Research Tips
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Before you get started, carry out these simple preparations to ensure your research is as productive and successful as possible.
These preliminary steps are particularly important if you have little previous experience in research using archival documents.
Understand Your Research Topic
Before delving into archival documents, study the published 'secondary' sources of information in your area of interest. At the very least, this means visiting a good public or research library to find any relevant books and taking the time to read them. Useful 'secondary' material may be available in the Sydney Reference Collection.
Formulate Your Questions
Identify the scope of your enquiry as precisely as possible. For example, are you interested in Oxford Street generally, or a particular section, time period or building?
Use Our Online Search Tools
Use the Archive's online Catalogues & Search Tools to identify records, photographs, or other material that seems relevant to your research.
Ask an Archivist
Make sure you discuss your research topic with one of the archivists when you contact us to make an appointment. Once we understand what you are trying to achieve, we can advise you on what records are available and how much work it will take.
Allow Enough Time
Research always takes much longer than you expect. Archival records are not an instant source of facts on every conceivable topic. They provide in-depth evidence. You may need patience and application to extract and understand it.
If you approach archival documents with a looming deadline, unless you are a very experienced researcher in Archives, your enquiry may not be successful.
Last Updated: Monday 30 May, 2011
