You will then find it much easier to read the more difficult earlier forms of handwriting, having been introduced to them gradually. Searchroom staff may be able to help with a few difficult words but they will not be able to work through the whole document with you, because they will also be engaged in a range of other duties. They may be able to recommend books which will help both with this field, and with the use of such sources as deeds and manorial and diocesan records. Please return documents, or other sources, promptly and in the order in which they were received. If you feel that the original order has been muddled please inform staff before you do anything about it.
Every office holds millions of documents, so any that are misplaced are very difficult to trace.
Most Record Offices place a limit on the number of documents you may have at any one time. If you are returning a document which you may require again later in the day, please tell the staff. Owing to problems of wear and tear from increased use, more and more records are being produced to searchers in the form of microfilm or fiche. Microfilm copies of the records held elsewhere, such as census returns, may also be available. These too should be treated with care.