Primary sources are primarily used in historical research. But you may see these types of sources being used across all majors. In this video, you will learn what a primary source is, why you might use them, how you might find primary sources at the University of Delaware and beyond, and some tips for locating them. Primary sources are documents, accounts, or testimonies produced during a certain time period. They capture the thoughts, feelings, reactions, and context of a particular event or historical period. Primary sources might include diaries, memoirs, interviews, audio recordings or music, photographs, digital content, government documents, or political cartoons. These types of primary sources are typically used in historical research. But primary sources exist in all fields of study. For example, digital contents like social media posts would be considered a primary source for researchers and political science, journalism or sociology. Interviews can be used by journalists, psychologists are criminologists. The sciences and the social sciences will often look for primary sources through empirical studies, specifically looking for the original research data or experiments. For example, a newspaper article published yesterday about the status of COVID-19 vaccinations would not be considered a primary source because it is providing current information on the state of the pandemic. It would be considered a secondary source because it has an analysis of an event that took place. However, the same newspaper article would be considered a primary source 50 years from now. If a student was researching vaccination rates in the US, you have to consider the publication date and contexts before deciding if you can use a source, regardless of what subject you're looking for, primary sources in these types of sources can act as a foundation for your argument and provide evidence. When you are analyzing a primary source, ask yourself these questions. Who created it? Why did the creator make or produce this? What does this primary source tell me about the time period or event? What part of the story, or who, is the primary source leaving out? So now that we know what a primary source is, how do we find them? In order to locate primary sources, you must first identify the time period you are researching. For example, let's say that I'm researching the beginning reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020. That means that I want to identify and find sources that were created in and around this time period. Finding historical sources as a different process than finding current primary sources. Let's first talk about tips for locating historical sources. When searching for historical primary sources, there are a few tips to keep in mind while you search. Search broadly. It can be hard to find a primary source that specifically describes what you are trying to show in your argument. Therefore, you need to search in broad themes and terms. Use historical language from that time period. This can often be the hardest part of primary source research, but one of the most important terms, descriptions and phrases change over time. For example, vaccinations had several different names throughout history. If you are researching vaccinations during early colonial times and America, inoculations would be the word to use. Don't know historical terms? Take a look at your secondary sources to see how they are using words or look up your word in the dictionary. The University of Delaware has a very large collection of databases, that only have primary sources. These databases usually cover as specific theme. Having trouble finding a primary source collection? Visit the UD primary sources research guide for our list of primary source databases based on region. Current primary sources are typically two current to be found in a library database. Using your preferred search engine is the best tool to find social media posts, interviews, news footage, or current reports. Here are some tips to keep in mind when trying to find current primary sources. Search broadly. Use specific keywords for what type of source you are looking for, like "diary" or "interview". Consult current news sources. It's important to note that primary sources can often be difficult to locate and identify because the material for the topic might not have been deemed worthwhile to collect and preserve, or the source might be considered a secondary source. It can often help to talk to a librarian or an archivist if you are having trouble locating primary sources.
Primary Sources
From Kristopher Raser February 13, 2023
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After watching the video, students will be able to:
Identify what a primary source is
Recognize and use tips for researching and finding primary sources at the University of Delaware and through search engines.
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- Library, Museums and Press
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