PrimarySources

toc =Primary Sources=



=Primary Sources Defined:= Primary source is an original document or object created at the time or recorded later (in the form of oral history, autobiographies and memoirs) concerning the topic being researched. There are many types of primary sources which include:
 * Books and periodicals (autobiographies, newspaper articles, manuscripts)
 * Original research
 * Pictures
 * Music
 * Government documents
 * Maps
 * Oral history
 * Legal documents
 * Video
 * Art

=Finding primary sources:=
 * Use the library's [|Online Catalog] to find reference materials and books.
 * Search databases for primary source material.
 * Use the Internet to locate and use primary sources. Usually any search engine like AltaVista and Google can be used to find excellent places to start. Examples of a searches would be "slavery primary sources" or "civil rights primary sources".

=Using Databases to find primary sources=
 * ==[|African American Experience]==

Example: Martin Luther King Jr.

[|Tutorial]
 * ==[|Issues and Controversies in American History]==

Example: Salem Witch Trials



=Using the Internet to find Primary Sources=

Example: Amistad
 * ==[|The National Archives: teaching with documents]==


 * ==[|The Avalon Project]==

=Selected Primary Source Web Sites=
 * [|AMDOCS]: Many primary sources from American history.
 * [|American Memory]: From the Library of Congress. Many Photos, manuscripts, maps etc.
 * [|Avalon Project]: One of the best places to get full text digitized primary sources in law, history and diplomacy. Loads of historical documents, treaties and cases. Created and maintained by the Yale Law School.
 * [|Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers]: From the Library of Congress. Digitized historical newspapers.
 * [|Colonial Background Texts & 19th Century American Historical Documents Online]: Part of [|19th Century American Literary, Historical and Cultural Studies]: Many links to primary documents.
 * [|Digital Librarian: Electronic texts and primary sources]: Comprehensive directory of primary sources.
 * [|Documenting the American South]: Hosted by UNC, this site has many primary documents on slavery, which include slave narratives and photos.
 * [|National Archives]: Great site for historical documents, pictures, speeches and more.
 * [|Perseus]: From Tufts University. A very good collection of ancient texts.
 * [|Primary Documents Online:] From the CSUSM Library, excellent directory of primary source web sites.

=Basic Research Help= Please click the Ask a Librarian icon if you have any questions concerning these guides, need help finding material for your research or any general questions you might have.
 * Looking for books? Search our [|Online Catalog].
 * Looking for articles? Search our [|Databases].
 * Can't find what you are looking for? Use our [|InterLibrary Loan Form].

**General Library Information**

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Research guide prepared on 10/24/08 by William Hoag: whoag@rcc.mass.edu