While it is true that what works for one individual may not prove successful for another, it is hoped that this brief guide will provide you with some important essentials in creating your own research strategy. If you are starting genealogical research for the first time and have decided to begin your search in North Carolina, the following volumes are highly recommended to help you get your journey started:

• An Intermediate Short, Short Course in the Use of Some North Carolina Records
  (NoCar Ref F253.H629 1990).
  
  
• The Short, Short Course in the Use of North Carolina’s Early County-Level Records in Genealogical Research (NoCar Ref F253.H633 1988).
  Written by noted genealogist Margaret M. Hofmann, these two volumes above serve as handy reference guides in deciphering the many peculiarities of older county and state level records found in North Carolina.
  
  
• North Carolina Research: Genealogy and Local History (NoCar Ref CS16.N67 1996)
  This work explains in detail the fundamentals of genealogical research, especially as they relate to North Carolina. In addition to methodology, considerable attention is given to understanding aspects of various county, state, federal and private records.

Guide developed by Fred Harrison (updated 3/2006)