From Tom O’Brien             14 November 2017
“This morning one of the members asked about RootsWeb and how it can be used.
For many years when preparing to take a trip, I subscribe to mailing list for the areas that I plan to visit. This is done at least six months before the trip. Sometimes I will have already been a member of the list.
The first thing is to search the list archives to see if other members of the list are researching the same names.
As early as possible reveal that you have plans to visit that area. Often at least 50% of the list members live locally or have done on the ground research in that area. Ask for advice. Below is an example of the approach that I have taken.
On Rootsweb mailing list for Cherokee County Kansas: 
Subject: Appreciate your research guidance
To all Cherokee County Researchers,

I am planning a research trip to Galena and would welcome any 
suggestions or tips that anyone may have regarding research in the area.

Specifically:

What are some of the better resources at the *library* or *historica*l 
society?

Are there newspaper microfilms available for the time period from 1910 
to present day?

What records are available at the courthouse?

Are their any closures or restricted hours that I should know about?

Does anyone know whom I may contact regarding burials at Oak Hill Cemetery?

Where is a good place to stay or eat?

Thanks to each of you for your suggestions and tips.

Tom O'Brien

Searching for the following families in Cherokee County Kansas:
ALBRIGHT, ALBRECHT, HOLDEN, McCARTNEY, MORGAN & SCHERER”