Using the Libraries' catalog to find primary sources
In many cases it is possible to identify primary sources in the UM Libraries' Catalog by adding to your search words such terms as archival resources, archives, sources, manuscripts, correspondence, diaries, personal narratives, etc.
Example:
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt papers
Another strategy is to use the advanced search and specify particular years to limit a search to books and other materials contemporary with an event or phenomenon you are interested in.
Example:
- prohibition, (year/s) 1920 to 1940
Many of our primary sources are in microform format. Thus you can use the advanced search to limit a search to microforms in order to find primary materials. All of the above searches can be also combined together.
Example:
- united states history, (format) microform, (year/s) 1920 to 1940