Getting Ready for FGS 2015: Making a List and Checking it twice!

No it does not matter is your naughty or nice –however making a list will help you get all that vital research done.   I currently have two lists that I am developing.  The first list includes hard copy books; the second is a listing of film to be reviewed.   

My book list includes the name of the book, location(call number), what I am looking for and some brief background such as William Hobbs 1787 SC – 1837 AL wife Frances McWilliams and a space to designate findings and whether or not copies were made.  I will sort the books into like call numbers and pull sections at a time to review. 

My second list is similar with a listing of microfilms that I want to review.  I did find a few that I will need to order ahead of time to have available during my visit. 

I am also making a list of items I will need to bring with me to the library.  The usual items include pen/pencils, paper, several USB drives (I have a tendency to lose things), my tablet, print outs of the library floors and snacks/water.  The last time I got busy researching and forgot to eat.  This time I will be prepared with some snacks that I can eat while taking a much needed break.  I also need to label all my belongings in case they get loose and wander the library without me. 

There are many specialists available with advice at the library.  If I can get my questions together I can visit a reference consultant and seek advice.  Sometimes a fresh set of eyes or ears is worth hours of research.  Here's to knocking down some brick walls!  

#FGS2015