What are Primary Sources, and how do I find them?

Answer

Primary sources are original materials or evidence to be analyzed, evaluated, contextualized, or synthesized in the research process.  In the Humanities, they are first hand accounts of historical events, or documents generated in the course of those events.  

Read more about Primary and Secondary Sources.

To find Primary Sources, look for them in your secondary readings:  in the citations, or mentioned in the course of events. Beyond that, we have a lot of books (Search for your topic and add the word 'sources') and databases providing primary sources.  Learn more about how to find Primary Sources on the History How-to: Primary Sources guide.  This guide also contains a list of databases featuring electronic archives and other primary sources, and includes an extensive tip sheet on finding primary sources. 

 

 

 

 

 

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  • Last Updated Feb 25, 2019
  • Views 37
  • Answered By Tina Bebbington

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