Genealogy and research etiquette is important. This is after a recent out-of-state visitor who was not nice at three different local libraries.
- Be courteous and respectful of those who work or volunteer at, libraries, archives, research centers, record depositories, etc. Staff and volunteers are there to assist you, not wait on you and do your work for you. You may not be the only patron and they may have staffing constraints. Don’t assume everything you have or think you know is correct. You can learn a lot from other people.
- Be careful with books, records, and other assets at these facilities. Don’t erase, write on, mark on, or otherwise deface the assets at these places. If you do have more information you can always write a note on a piece of paper and leave it in the book and perhaps let the staff know also.
- If you mail a request use a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope). You may be more apt to receive a reply that way. You will need to pay for copies and postage etc. Places may have research fees. If you go in person, write or email, at least consider a donation.
- To sum it up… don’t be rude, demanding, or arrogant. This gives other researchers and genealogists a bad name.