Archival research can be exciting and rewarding, and we hope that you will take some time to explore our amazing collection.
The most important point to remember when you begin your research is that our holdings are not organised by subject like a library is. The collection is arranged by the government agencies or individuals who created the records. As a first step, you might like to read about how the records are arranged and controlled.
There is no single subject index or catalogue that lists every item in the collection. This means that there is no one place to start that suits all research. It also means that researching in the archives can be time-consuming and sometimes frustrating.
Our step-by-step guide to researching in the National Archives is a basic outline of how your research might progress.
If you are a beginner, you might like to follow the steps closely. If you are familiar with research at the National Archives, you can find relevant how-to information such as how to order copies or request access examination.