As part of my job, I do a substantial amount of research in Singapore’s National Library and at the National Archives. Often I see groups of students coming to these places also trying to do research. However, most of them do not have a clue as to where to begin. I heard one of them go up to the counter at the Archives and ask: “Where do I find the history of Singapore?”

When I hear such questions as this, my teacher-mode kicks in and I feel like giving them a lecture how to do basic research. Since they’re not around, I’ve jotted down some of my thoughts which I hope will be helpful to someone just starting on historical research in Singapore.

Here are my steps to doing historical research in the library and archives:

Step 1: Identify what information you need

In a history project, some of the basic information required are:
-       Milestones (Important events arranged in chronological order)
-       Stories about these milestone events
-       Stories about significant people
-       Archival photographs/map

Step 2: Look for books on the subject (Library)
-       Use the NLB catalogue to check for titles on the topic you are researching
-       Locate the books, read them and extract information needed (see step 1)
-       Be aware of copyright restrictions

Step 3: Look for newspaper articles on the subject (Library)
-       Use an online databases such as Newspapers.sg to locate articles related to the subject you are researching
-       You may also read the newspapers on microform or on the computers at the National Library

Step 4: Look for photographs and oral history (National Archives of Singapore)
-       Use the online database to locate archival photographs or oral history on your subject.
-       If you wish to purchase photographs, you can order them online and pick them up several days later at the archives.
-       For the oral history, some interviews may have transcripts which can be read online. Otherwise, personally go down to the archives and retrieve the actual tape for listening. Take a notebook (electronic or pen and paper) and jot down notes as you listen.

Step 5: Look for other documents: maps, government and private records, speeches
-       Use the online database to look for other sources on your subject.
-       Personally visit the archives to retrieve and view these documents.
-       Take note that you have to pay for reproduction costs so be sure of what you want before making a reproduction request.

Once you have got your information, then you go on to your next major task of reading, compiling, thinking and writing…but that is another post.