=============================================================== TODAY'S TIP: HARD-TO-READ RECORDS by Diane J. Muir Some original records are faded and hard to read. Other records are worn on the edges, and the first letters of names in the indexes are often missing. Handle fragile pages carefully. Our hands and fingers have natural oils that destroy fragile paper. Handle the books gently. The old leather bindings often are dusty and falling apart. Place the books on a hard surface and turn the pages carefully. Use the palm of your hand to turn pages, taking care not to bend them. If writing is faded, place the page under an ultraviolet light. Also, using a flashlight with a yellow bulb makes the writing more legible. If the first letters of the names are missing, fill in what you think they should be. Don't ever ignore something that might be pertinent. For instance, if you're looking for Millers and you find only the letters "ller," record the finding in your log so you'll know it's a possibility.

When you find a document that is hard to read, use a 'see thru' yellow plastic sheet. the words pop right out at you most of the time unless it is completely illegible. Marie