How do I find primary sources?
Answer
Start your research in newspaper articles, books, government documents, maps, music recordings, videos and more by searching the library catalog, various history guides and library databases. The resources listed in this FAQ are not exhaustive.
Primary sources are the evidence of history, original records or objects created by participants or observers at the time historical events occurred or even well after events, as in memoirs and oral histories. Primary and secondary sources are defined differently according to the discipline. The types of documents also vary according to the discipline.
Some tips for searching for finding primary resources:
- Understand the key people, places, events, and dates involved
- Think about the type of sources and who may have created them
- Search for the type of source and your subject (ex: World War I and letters)
- Search for works authored by figures involved in your subject during the event in question
- Use a primary source filter in the database if available
Links & Files
- Library Catalog Opens in new window
- Primary Sources | History Guide Opens in new window
- Primary Sources | History Basics Guide Opens in new window
- Primary & Secondary Sources | Beyond the Basics: The Research Process at UCBA Opens in new window
- Finding Primary Sources | Research Tips and Tricks Opens in new window
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