Getting to the Roots of Your Family - RootsWeb - Ancestry.com
Getting to the Roots of Your Family - RootsWeb - Ancestry.com
Getting to the Roots of Your Family - RootsWeb - Ancestry.com
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HELPFUL HINTS FOR USING GERMAN ARCHIVES EFFECTIVELY<br />
1. Make an appointment as far ahead as possible.<br />
Seats and equipment for researchers are <strong>of</strong>ten limited. You may need <strong>to</strong> order records in advance <strong>of</strong><br />
your visit. This can <strong>of</strong>ten be done by e-mail. Some records may be s<strong>to</strong>red <strong>of</strong>f-site and it may take<br />
several days <strong>to</strong> get <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
Realize that an archive may not be open on every weekday. Be aware <strong>of</strong> vacation times and holidays.<br />
It’s best <strong>to</strong> check <strong>the</strong> archive website for up-<strong>to</strong>-date information.<br />
2. Do not expect research or reading help.<br />
Archive users are expected <strong>to</strong> be able <strong>to</strong> read <strong>the</strong> Gothic script and find <strong>the</strong>ir way around <strong>the</strong> records.<br />
In larger archives <strong>the</strong> archivists generally do not work with <strong>the</strong> public. The front desk is staffed by <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
personnel who can usually guide <strong>the</strong> user <strong>to</strong> appropriate record finding <strong>to</strong>ols, but <strong>of</strong>ten cannot read <strong>the</strong><br />
records.<br />
3. Be familiar with <strong>the</strong> rules that govern access <strong>to</strong> and use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> records in each archive.<br />
Generally, if records have been micr<strong>of</strong>ilmed, <strong>the</strong> originals are no longer accessible. There may be a<br />
limit <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> books or films you can request in one day. Have your ID with you <strong>to</strong> fill out <strong>the</strong><br />
user-information request; some archives will make a pho<strong>to</strong>copy <strong>of</strong> your passport or write down <strong>the</strong> ID<br />
number.<br />
4. When filling out record requests with call numbers, be aware <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> German numbers “1”<br />
and “7”. Try writing <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong> German way, so that you will get <strong>the</strong> correct material.<br />
5. Be prepared <strong>to</strong> pay for user fees and copies in cash.<br />
Most archives will make copies, but <strong>the</strong>y may need <strong>to</strong> be sent <strong>to</strong> you. Fees vary. Some copy <strong>the</strong> entire<br />
page, some only <strong>the</strong> needed entry. Most larger archives do NOT allow digital pho<strong>to</strong>graphy. Include a<br />
small tip [for <strong>the</strong> “Kaffeekasse”] with your payment.<br />
6. Some archives require everyone <strong>to</strong> leave during <strong>the</strong> lunch break, especially <strong>the</strong> Catholic ones.<br />
7. Some archives require <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> pencils only; some allow lap<strong>to</strong>ps.<br />
8. Be quiet. Whisper when you need <strong>to</strong> <strong>com</strong>municate.<br />
9. It’s generally best not <strong>to</strong> mention <strong>the</strong> <strong>Family</strong> His<strong>to</strong>ry Library or LDS resources.<br />
© Aug 2011 <strong>Family</strong>Search International. All rights reserved. No part <strong>of</strong> this document may be reprinted or reproduced in any<br />
form for any purpose without prior written permission.
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