What techniques do you use when doing archival research?
Short answerPrepare in advance, work with archivists, photograph broadly, and postpone detailed reading until after the visit.
NotesArchive work begins before the visit by scouting the catalogue and identifying likely files. Archivists are worth consulting because they know the collection and its less obvious connections better than a visiting researcher. On site, the priority is to photograph and lightly note as many relevant documents as possible. Close reading can wait until later, reducing the chance that a missing page or file will require another journey across the country.