In this guide, users will learn what distinguishes each source type and locate primary source material from print, electronic, web-based, governmental, and archival material. This Research Guide includes a "How To" tab, designed to instruct users on what search terms and descriptors to use when searching, as well as print and electronic guides which show how, where, and what to search.
Please note: The examples of available print, electronic, and web-based primary sources are just a sampling and by no means exhaustive. We encourage you to visit the "How To" page for instructions on how to blend search terms relative to your research topic with subject headings that will assist you in locating primary sources.
- Art work - e.g. painting, sculptures, poems, musical scores, etc.
- Artifacts - e.g. periodic clothing, coins, fossils, furniture, etc.
- Audio recordings
- Court records
- Eyewitness accounts
- Internet communications - e.g. emails
- Legal documents - e.g. birth/death certificates, marriage licenses, etc.
- Newspaper articles from period
Here are some questions that may help you evaluate primary sources:
- What was the situation that prompted the writer to compose the document?
- What was the writer's source of information?
- What other primary sources might expand, clarify or contradict this document
- Literary Criticism
- Magazine articles
- Peer-reviewed journal articles
- Reviews - e.g. book, performance
Here are some questions that may help you evaluate secondary sources:
- What is the writer's expertise in this field?
- What motivated the writer to compose this document?
- How is this person evaluated by others who are known to be experts in this field?
- What is the argument this writer is making about the topic?
- What contradictions do other sources offer?
- How credible are they?
- How is this book/article evaluated by others in the field?
- Is the information current?
Please Note: What sources are considered Secondary and Tertiary may depend on your own institution and more specifically, your discipline.
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Why Reference Sources?
- Background information
- Important figures
- Dates, places, and people
- Definitions and key terms
Lists of additional sources (articles, books, etc.)
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