This document provides guidance for researching Ludwig van Beethoven's late period compositions and life context. It outlines various source types and databases for finding primary sources like Beethoven's sketchbooks and scores, biographies, analyses of specific works, and histories of musical genres from his era. Potential pitfalls in researching historical figures are noted, like biases, limited records, and outdated understandings. Unproductive strategies are warned against, like relying solely on internet sources. Recommendations include becoming very familiar with Beethoven's late years, the social context of his time, and identifying a focused aspect of late works to research in depth using scholarly sources.