While there are no guarantees, there are some things a researcher can do when at the courthouse or records office to maximize the chance you are successful locating the desired records:
- be polite
- know the hours of operation
- know what records they have (or at least a general idea)
- have your information organized and handy so you aren’t rummaging through papers or your phone to gets dates, names, and places)
- find out their cell phone use policy
- look relatively professional (flip flops, belly shirts, and the like should be avoided)
- thank them for their help–even if you think they weren’t that helpful
3 Responses
This advice is the same for visiting archives and libraries, too!
Very true!
I may have over done it but I took Dunkin Donuts once. I had gone early and another person was there doing some research. While I followed most of your advice, I was stuck on a stone wall for my great grandmother. I was getting tons of data but no help on the great grandmother. I took a break for coffee. The other researcher had gotten coffee, and a pastry, at the Dunkin Donut shop. It seemed rude that he was eating in front of the clerks. The donuts I brought back were a huge hit. With their help we found grandma. Turns out she was born before birth certificates but they had a list of children delivered by a local mid-wife. Pretty good donuts as well.