Thanks to the Internet, we have more access to primary sources then ever before. This also means that we have to be diligent in determining whether or not these sources are authentic, and if the site that hosts them has any bias. For more information on analyzing the credibility of websites and sources, please visit the Research Basics pathfinder.
What are primary sources?
Primary sources are original records created at the time historical events occurred or after these events (in the form of memoirs and oral histories). Primary sources may include:
What are primary sources?
Primary sources are original records created at the time historical events occurred or after these events (in the form of memoirs and oral histories). Primary sources may include:
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Databases:
ABC-CLIO - Apply the filters on the left of the page to sort through media and document types.
Ancestry Library Edition - Search for primary source records on your own family. You can also use the Quick Links at the bottom of the home page to browse birth, marriage, and military records -- as well as stories and histories.
Gale - Use the advanced search to look up your topic and narrow by document type. Artifact, broadcast transcript, and diary entry are just some of the possible types to search for.
ABC-CLIO - Apply the filters on the left of the page to sort through media and document types.
Ancestry Library Edition - Search for primary source records on your own family. You can also use the Quick Links at the bottom of the home page to browse birth, marriage, and military records -- as well as stories and histories.
Gale - Use the advanced search to look up your topic and narrow by document type. Artifact, broadcast transcript, and diary entry are just some of the possible types to search for.
Websites:
It is important to find authentic primary sources online. The following are some suggestions for participating in this kind of research:
Consult major collections of primary sources.
Some of these collections can be seen below:
Browse a subject directory linking to primary sources.
Subject directories are useful when you are interested in seeing a broad variety of sources on your topic. Some subject directories include annotations and evaluations of other websites. Useful subject directories for history include:
Finding photographs and other non-text sources.
Going to a major collection of photographs is the best way to find a historic image. Also, use a search engine to try a topic search, such “Eiffel Tower” or “Chingis Khan” or “Van Gogh AND wheat fields” to find photos, drawings or reproductions of paintings. Some major collections include:
It is important to find authentic primary sources online. The following are some suggestions for participating in this kind of research:
Consult major collections of primary sources.
Some of these collections can be seen below:
- Avalon Project Documents in Law, History and Diplomacy
- American Heritage Magazine Archive 1954 to current (online) also available via the databases listed above
- American Memory (Library of Congress) - A gateway to the Library of Congress’s collection of digitized American historical materials. It offers primary source and archival materials (photographs, manuscripts, motion pictures, and sound recordings) on U.S. history. You can also find a list of websites recommended by the LOC here.
- EuroDocs Western European Primary Historical Documents
- Making of America 19th century books and magazines
- National Archives: Docs Teach - American primary sources by historical era
Browse a subject directory linking to primary sources.
Subject directories are useful when you are interested in seeing a broad variety of sources on your topic. Some subject directories include annotations and evaluations of other websites. Useful subject directories for history include:
- Digital History Primary Sources - University of Houston
- Library of Anglo-American Culture and History - After searching for your topic, click on the title of the source to learn more about it. The "[Link]" hyperlink will take you to the actual webpage of that resource.
Finding photographs and other non-text sources.
Going to a major collection of photographs is the best way to find a historic image. Also, use a search engine to try a topic search, such “Eiffel Tower” or “Chingis Khan” or “Van Gogh AND wheat fields” to find photos, drawings or reproductions of paintings. Some major collections include:
- Heritage Image Partnership (UK)
- Life Magazine Archives 1936 to 1972 (via Google Books) - use "search all issues" (upper left corner of webpage)
- New York Public Library Digital Library Collection
Information about local history can often be found at the public library in that area.
For historical information on Channahon and Minooka, visit the Three Rivers Public Library.
Adapted from the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) of the American Library Association.