- Most of Priestley's works can be found as pdfs online. So the need to visit an institution is not what it was when I did my research on Joseph Priestley. WorldCat makes it easy to find an institution that has a particular edition you might be interested in.
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Once you have found a college, institution, or university with Priestley manuscripts then you should read their policies relating to researchers and research.
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General policies are that you usually must check in most of your possessions in a locker that they provide. Often you must sign a paper and show photo identification. You must always use pencil. Use the college or university library's online catalogue to make a list of books and call numbers that you would like to use, before you go to the library. Many colleges or universities would like you to call or e-mail them before you go to ensure they will be able to help you on that day.
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Things that you should probably bring with you for research: a pocket dictionary, pencils, paper, a ruler (in case the college or university does not have book weights), possibly white gloves, and maybe photo copies of Rutt (to see our section about Rutt, click here).
- If allowed, bringing a digital version of the Priestley work or the Rutt version to compare to the edition you are looking at, would be ideal.