What Is Record Retrieval?

Record retrieval is exactly what it sounds like: I go to a repository and obtain copies of records on your behalf. It is not research.

My time is billed for the hours I spend at the repository — not for any preparation, analysis, or correspondence outside of it. That means the preparatory work is yours. Before I visit, you'll need to identify what records exist, where they're held, and what specifically you want copied. I carry out your instructions at the repository.

If you know exactly which records you want, I'll locate and copy those. If you want me to pull everything available for a particular surname or family, I can do that too — as long as the scope is defined before I go.

If you're not sure what records exist or need someone to figure that out for you, a full research project is the right fit.

Where I'll Go

I accept retrieval requests at the following repositories:

• ✦
  History Cherokee

  Unique and hard-to-access materials related to Cherokee County, Georgia
• ✦
  Sequoyah Regional Library System

  Local public library system (includes three counties)
• ✦
  Any repository in Cherokee, Bartow, Gilmer, Pickens, or Gordon County

  Half- or full-day rates only
• ✦
  Other northwest Georgia counties (north of Cherokee County)

  Full-day rate projects only; considered case by case

How It Works

I offer record retrieval services as a specialty service. This is not a standard part of my genealogical work so my requirements may be different from other record retrieval specialists you contact.

My service is best for situations where you need multiple records or time spent searching on-site as I only accept commissions for half- or full-day projects. I do not offer per item pricing.

Once a project is confirmed, I will visit the repository, locate the requested materials, and provide you with digital copies or detailed notes, depending on what the repository permits, and citations.

If you need a specific type of copy or statement from the repository, check with the repository before hiring me to make sure this is possible and if any specific conditions need to be met. My record retrieval service does not include pre-arrival prep work.

Results will be delivered digitally. A report is not included for record retrievals.

What to Prepare

A retrieval request works best when you can tell me specifically what you're looking for and where you want me to try and access it. The more precisely you can describe the record — names, approximate dates, record type, and the repository — the more efficiently the project can be scoped and quoted.

I recommend contacting the repository before contacting me. They may even offer a service or have someone that visits regularly that can get what you want more cost-effectively. At the least, they will be able to give you better details about what it takes to have someone get you copies. Can the exact record be found from an on-site request, or will an on-site researcher need to spend time searching through multiple records to find what you want?

If you're not sure what records exist or where they're held, a full research project may be a better fit than a retrieval.

Rates and Expenses

Record retrieval projects are priced at a half- or full-day rate for my time, plus expenses. Rates are quoted per project. I do not offer single-item or per-document pricing.

Expenses are billed at actual cost and may include:

• ✦
  Mileage to and from the repository
• ✦
  Photocopy or scanning fees charged by the repository
• ✦
  Repository access or research room fees
• ✦
  Mailing fees (results are only mailed for special circumstances)
• ✦
  Any other costs incurred on your behalf during the project

All expenses will be communicated in advance where possible, or documented and included in your final invoice.