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How to Find Primary Sources

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Words to include in your search.

  • Libguide:  These are guides mainly used by libraries to collect resources based on a topic or subject. There might be a libguide on your topic that could include links to primary sources.
  • "Finding Aid": These documents are used in archives to describe what is included in the collection.  Using this phrase could lead you to collections on your topic.
  • Digitize:  More and more collections from archives and museums are being digitized and uploaded for the public to view.  Adding this word will help you discover these sources.
  • Recording:  Primary sources are not just written documents.  Video and audio could also be considered a primary source, such as a recording of the moon landing.  Adding this word will expand your search.

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