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PRELIMINARY RESEARCH will be your best investment in using an archive. You MUST consult secondary sources BEFORE considering primary sources. In fact many archives will only allow access after a research interview is conducted to review your previous research. Secondary (or published) sources include: books, articles, biographical sources, association directories, etc. Most of these secondary sources can be found in the Architecture and Planning Library. Become familiar with the chronology of the firm or architect's life, understand influences, clients, companions, and even where they traveled on vacation. Find out if there are other archives that have material on your topic (many collections are not comprehensive). Also, don't rule out picking up the phone - contacts are invaluable.
USING PRIMARY SOURCES will require an investment of time and a focused mind. Note the purpose of your visit and the questions you intend to answer. Rule out what isn't necessary- ex. don't ask to see ALL...