Due to limited staff, the library must limit the amount of research time given to individual queries. Some indexed records can be examined if a request is specific. The following information must be included in the request:

1. the full name of the individual concerned,
2. the specific document desired,
3. the name of the county, town, or magisterial district in which the person resided or in which the document was recorded,
4. and the approximate date of recordation.
For example, the staff could answer the specific question "Do you have a record of a will for James Doe in Mecklenburg County about 1790?" but could not answer a vaguely phrased question such as "What Doe wills do you have?" or "Who are the ancestors of James Doe?" Inquiries must be limited to two names, requests, or questions per letter/call. Written questions should be clear, succinct, and legible, and they should be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Patrons may wish to contact the Southside Virginia Genealogical Society for help in researching local records.