yarmagnargnar-deactivated201510 asked: What's your research routine like? Do you have any historical databases you use?

I use all kinds!  Whatever you are looking for, there is usually a legit database of more than one kind to help you out.  Archives like archive.org or google books, online exhibits and archives from museums, image archives from libraries, university online collections, government collections, newspaper archives.  There is so much more out there than you think there is, always.  And most of it is free. (I’m looking at you, Jstor!) (j/k I support academic writers being paid.)