Whenever I research in a new place, I try to write about the experience
to one of the lists I'm on in order to pass on some of the lesser-known
insider's tips to researching in such a place.  Examples--the cost of
copies and how to best use the copy machines; best time of day to go;
whether the facility is laptop-friendly (has outlets, and you are
allowed to use your laptop); helpfulness of the staff; materials unique
to that facility; parking availability; where to eat during a
break,etc.  And when I go to places like D.C. with its many libraries
and archives, I like to give my top 3 places and why.

Not having researched in Charleston, however, and facing an upcoming
research binge trip there, I'd love to hear from those of you who have
researched the various libraries, societies, and archives there.  Where
have you gone that is a "must", and why?  What are some of the things
people should know before going?

For me, particularly, I'd love to know where best to spend my time to
find things I won't necessarily find say, at the Library of Congress, or
on microfilm at FHCs, or through Interlibrary Loans.  Especially, where
best to go to find 18th century and earlier information that won't
necessarily show up in compilations?

And for places that have information that everyone else has (but is
still very useful info), which place has the cheapest copies?  Does any
place take checks or credit cards for copies? Who has copy cards? (I
tend to make hundreds of copies at a time.)

Are any places open at night?  Such as, college or university libraries
with genealogical collections?  (When on a true binge, I do try to be in
a library by 8 a.m. and out of one no earlier than 9 p.m.--which I've
been able to do in D.C. and Williamsburg, VA, and in Birmingham, AL) 
Who is open on Sundays and holidays?

And, where is it best to do as much as possible through the mail or
internet before getting there?  (I was able to lay some groundwork at
the Alabama archives, at Birmingham library, and at NARA this way.)

Suggestions, anyone??

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