How do I start my research?

Be clear on exactly what you are researching. It is easier to research a number of narrow topics one-by-one than to try to research an entire subject in one go
Use the library to undertake background reading of your chosen area before trying to use original documents. You might find that someone else has already done the research, or provided a complete transcription of the document
Read footnotes and bibliographies. They often provide references of useful documents, or reveal the location of original records
Make use of published guides and the internet to determine where appropriate material is held
Finally, visit the archive office. The background work you have done will help you make the most of your time there

Manuscripts and Special Collections

Kings Meadow Campus
Lenton Lane
Nottingham, NG7 2NR

telephone: +44 (0) 115 951 4565
fax: +44 (0) 115 846 8651
email: mss-library@nottingham.ac.uk