When contacting an archive for the first time, it helps to understand how archival materials are organised and how to search for records. Before consulting archival sources, gather information about your subject from other sources. Thorough preliminary research will help you decide whether archival materials are needed and, if so, which sources to use.

Begin with straightforward sources before moving to more complex ones. Ask for background information from people who suggested the subject or know it well. For local history, a teacher or parent may be able to provide the first facts. If possible, talk to people who have researched the subject or read their work. Libraries and museums can provide useful information and often hold school or village chronicles. If a local amateur historian has studied your subject, look for their articles in regional newspapers.

Biographical reference works and specialist lexicons also contain useful information: «Eesti kirjanduse biograafia» (The Biographical Lexicon of Estonian Literature), «Tartumaa talud» (Farmsteads in Tartu District), «Album Academicum», address and telephone books etc. are examples.

An exhaustive overview of the main works on every subject is not possible, but librarians can help you find relevant publications.

You can also search museum websites and online catalogues. The National Archives of Estonia holds materials on a wide range of research subjects, but many records are in languages other than Estonian. Most older documents are handwritten in Gothic script, so specialist knowledge may be needed to use them.

If you need original sources for your research, start with AIS. Enter a person’s name or a keyword for your subject in the basic search field and click «Otsi» to see all titles containing those words. You can read more about AIS on its home page.

There are many databases in the National Archives that help you translate and understand words and terms in historical materials and studies.

The National Archives has brought together information for secondary school students in Arhiivikool (Learning in Archives).

Everyone develops their own way of gathering and presenting information. Establish your approach at the start of your work and follow it consistently.

When presenting your findings, you need to cite your sources. For archival materials, include the following: archives, fonds, inventory, preservation item (record), page or sheet.
For example:
EAA 1241-1-132, l. 13p−14, meaning: the National Archives of Estonia, fonds 1241, inventory 1, record 132, the reverse of sheet 13 and sheet 14. Include a list of sources with your findings, listing each record separately.

You may also write the references in abbreviated form as in AIS, Saaga etc. (e.g. EAA.1241.1.132).

• Learning in Archives
• Place Names Database of the Institute of the Estonian Language
• Estonian National Museum
• Narva Museum
• Tartu University Library
• National Library of Estonia