Q. How do I find primary sources?

To identify books that are primary sources:

1) Look for books written by people who were involved in the event or activity you are researching.  (Tip: When you look at secondary sources, write down the names of people and then look for them as authors.)

2) When looking for sources in the Classic Library catalog or our new updated catalog, you may find these terms useful when looking for primary sources. 

--Diaries
--Correspondence
--Biography
--Sources
--Anecdotes
--Personal narratives
--Interviews

Examples:

Washington, George, 1732-1799 -- Correspondence

Pioneers -- Pennsylvania -- Correspondence

Boston (Mass.) -- History -- Sources

Society of Friends -- History -- 18th century -- Sources 

United States -- History -- Queen Anne's War, 1702-1713 -- Personal narratives

Be sure to check the video links below for more help.

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Last Updated: 20211207