I think this is the best thread to post this in but feel free to move it if I am mistaken.
I have been finding that I have been spending too much of my research time being unproductive and it's mainly because I don't always read the 'how to search' on various sites or, if I do, try to put in too much information in and therefore get no returns.
I would like to see a few site specific search threads to help those of us who are not as savvy as others. Even some of the basic tips would be beneficial for newbies and not-so-newbies.
Anyway, I have learnt three things from searching Glasnevin in recent weeks so I'm sharing them here.
1. When searching for a name beginning with O, Mc or Mac don't put it in. Just put in the rest of the name and change the search from exact to contains. eg rather than McDonald "exact" put in Donald "contains".
2. When you are trying to search for surnames and are unsure of the first name, or the formal first name, when there may not be a first name (eg stillborn babies) or if you've got an unusual surname and just want to see if anyone's there, put an * in the first name box and change search from exact to "wildcard"
3. I'm not sure if this is just with Glasnevin or all records but when an address appears with AS at the end, so 37 High Street, Dublin AS, AS stands for Anatomical Subject and means the body has been used for research purposes and then buried later, usually by the hospital/university who was using the body. This appeared to occur quite frequently for those who died in workhouses.
As I said, pretty basic stuff but hopefully helpful to someone else.
If you have more for Glasnevin please add or for another Irish site, start another thread.