Using the Libraries Catalog to find primary sources
In many cases, although it might be challenging for this particular course, 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. Another way is to find writings by important political, cultural, or religious leaders.
Examples:
- arab israeli conflict sources (search under basic "word/s anyware")
- Sadat, Anwar (search under "author beginning with....")
Another strategy is to use the advanced search and specify particular years to limit a search to books and other materials contemporary with the event or phenomenon you are interested in. In more specific searches it often helps to combine the dates search with subject searching.
Example:
- morocco (subject), (year/s) 1900 to 1969
Finally University of Maryland Libraries owe huge microform collections, many of which would be considered primary sources. Again in the advanced search specify your topic and limit it by format "microform." By the way this method could be used in finding periodicals, non-print materials, reference sources, and other types of format.
Example:
- middle east, (format) Microform