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ERAU Hunt Library

HU 145 (Oler)

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What are Primary Sources?

Primary sources are original documents and objects created during the time period being studied. Common types of primary sources include diaries, newspapers, photographs, etc.

Why use Primary Sources?

Using primary sources shows that you have gathered information from the originator of the ideas rather than relying on other people's interpretations of those ideas.

Remember:

Finding primary sources can be a challenge and will take patience.  Not everything is searchable and you might have to comb through documents or websites.