SAMPLE QUESTIONS

WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO ASK MY QUESTION?

We receive a very large number of reference requests at the NASM Archives Division Reference Desk. While we answer all requests we receive, the amount of time we're able to devote to each request is limited. We're happy to assist you in your research, but we're not able to do all your research for you.

Please take a minute to look over the sample requests below before you write, fax, or e-mail us. The more specific your request, the most effectively - and promptly - we can serve you.

A POORLY WORDED REQUEST:

Please send me everything you have on the P-51!

A complete answer to this request could potentially include photographs, engineering drawings, technical manuals, and company brochures on several models of this type (military and civilian versions), and perhaps even such items as a pilot's personal reminiscences of what it was like to fly a P-51. In this case the NASM Archives Reference Team would send a response asking that the requestor be more specific before we can provide a useful answer.

A WELL WORDED REQUEST:

I am restoring a North American P-51D Mustang - do you have any materials which would be of use for my project? I am especially interested in any information regarding the landing gear.

This requestor has indicated the specific model involved, the type of project (restoration), and a special area of interest. This will allow the NASM Archives Reference Team to target the material in our collections which will be most useful for this person's project.