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How to Find Primary Sources

This is a companion guide to the Library 101: How to Find Primary Sources workshop. This guide contains information on how to find and access primary sources, their use in research, and analysis.

Analyzing Primary Sources

When analyzing a primary source consider the following questions.

  1. Can you determine the original format of the image? How was it created? If it were recreated today, how would it be different? How might it be recreated in the future?  

  2. What does this source make you think about? Do you want more information on the historical context, individuals mentioned, or methods of creation? 

  3. What can you learn from this source? Where does it fit into history? 

  4. What time period is this from? Can you narrow it down to a decade or year? What visual cues help you narrow it down? 

  5. For what purpose was this item created? Who is the audience? Does it convey a particular tone?   

  6. What can you learn about the people and objects portrayed by engaging with the image?  

  7. Is there any text you can read? Is there a particular style of typography or handwriting used? What is happening in the image?  

Using Primary Sources

Supporting Your Research

Often when we think of primary sources supporting research, we focus on survey data, case studies, and similar information. However, primary sources such as journals, art, and newspapers can also be used. The best source type for the job will depend on your research question. Sometimes surveys are needed, other times you'll need a photograph or contemporary novel. 

Critical Thinking Skills

Primary source analysis also helps with critical thinking skills. By engaging with a source and considering questions like the ones above, you are learning not just about the source itself, but its historical context and importance. You may also think about what context is missing, and ways to obtain that information.

Examples

  • You're assisting a rural health clinic and want to make sure people know the days and times the clinic is open. Though you have sources on general healthcare outreach, many of them are not specific to the population you serve. A survey on access to social media, community boards, and information sharing in rural areas would help determine the best way to share info. 
  • You are writing a research paper on forcibly displaced communities and the effect on family units for a political science course. You may consider using primary sources such as interviews with community members or journals to obtain a first hand account. 

Primary Source Analysis Exercises

For exercises on analyzing datasets, check out the How to Deal with Data guide under Related Guides & Other Sources. 

Citing Primary Sources

Check Use Requirements

Many special collections have specific requirements for using primary sources. This is because many of the items are still within copyright, contain sensitive material (such as medical information), and other reasons relating to preservation. Always check a digital collection's website before reusing materials. Often, individuals are granted permission to use materials for educational and other non-commercial use, but this is not universal. Whatever you use, be sure to cite your primary sources properly so people reading your work can find them. You can find help with citations under Related Guides & Other Sources (on your left).

If you're not sure, ask many collections are happy to see their materials being used!