I am considering doing an MA (either full or part time - don't think that affects my question?) and need to provide two references from academic sources for most of them.  The problem is I did my BA back in 1997 so it's a long time since my lecturers knew me. How do I go about getting references?  Should I actually contact my old department or should I try to find others? Any advice from people who've had similar experiences welcome, current masters students seem good people to ask.
Thank you
GinBee

I am considering doing an MA (either full or part time - don't think that affects my question?) and need to provide two references from academic sources for most of them.  The problem is I did my BA back in 1997 so it's a long time since my lecturers knew me. How do I go about getting references?  Should I actually contact my old department or should I try to find others? Any advice from people who've had similar experiences welcome.
Thank you
GinBee