Frequently asked Questions:
Do you do textual research?
My aim is to get images of documents into the hands of experts who can then synthesize the information in them. I do not read through documents generally.
Can you research my genealogy?
No. If you have identified a document that you are interested in for your own research, I am happy to make copies of that for you, but I do not do family history research.
What equipment do you use?
I use a scanning application on a mobile device to get high-quality searchable images of text.
How many pages can you scan in an hour?
That all depends on the state of the original documents. Older documents on onion skin paper require special handling that can reduce the number of pages. But for more recently created documents on normal bond paper, I can scan upwards of 300 pages per hour.
What information is included in my scans?
Every scan begins with a photo of the containing box, and a pull slip indicating its precise location in the archives and associated NAID, so it can be accurately cited. I scan the documents in original order, and where appropriate divide folders or individual documents into their own PDF files.
I suspect my file contains an image that I would like to reproduce in a book. Can you get a high-quality image?
Yes. Let me know when you hire me if you suspect there are original documents (trade catalogs, photographs, etc.) you’d like to reproduce and I will take separate photos to ensure high quality and accurate reproduction. Otherwise, most scans will be in black and white or spot color.
What do you charge?
My rates are competitive, and more economical than getting copies through the National Archives itself. Once I know the scope of your project, I am better able to give you a price, either as an hourly rate or as a flat rate project.
How can I pay you?
I accept digital payments through PayPal and Venmo. If your company or university does not allow such payments, I can accept a check and provide tax information. I am registered with Payment Works through several colleges and universities, and am able to complete any necessary forms to be a vendor for your company or university.
Do you require a deposit for work?
I operate on a trust basis. I only get paid after you get the documents and are happy with them.
One of my scans is unreadable. Can you fix this?
I proof every scan before I send it along to you, but sometimes mistakes happen. If something is awry, I will do all I can to fix it until you are satisfied.
How quickly can you get a document to me?
Depending on when you make contact with an archivist to identify your files, I can usually get material scanned and delivered to you within 5-10 business days.
Why should I hire you and not another person?
I am the most local independent researcher to the National Archives at Kansas City, living within a mile of the facility. I specialize in scanning material quickly to get it into your hands, and do not waste time in the textual research room of the archives reading your documents for pleasure. I respect the confidentiality of our agreement, and do not ask questions about why you need this record. I am committed to producing quality work, quickly, economically, and precisely.
How do I get my documents?
The files are generally too large to attach to an email, so I send files to your email address via WeTransfer, a temporary file hosting service. You have one week to download the information.
I’m not sure if I want to hire you or another person. Can we talk on the phone?
I will do phone consultations but those hours will be billed to you. Most information I have is most effectively communicated via email.
Can I see a samples of your work?
Yes, here are some documents that I have scanned recently.
