Research Using Primary Sources

This guide provides an orientation to doing research using primary sources by stepping users through some of the methods of finding, using and understanding primary sources.

What is a Primary Source?

Primary sources are usually defined as accounts or artifacts generated by an eyewitness or participant in past events. Interpretation and evaluation of these primary sources becomes the basis for historical narrative.

Why Do Research Using Primary Sources?

People seek out primary sources because they want to use unique sources to tell a new story about the past. They are looking for direct evidence and information in order to interpret and reinterpret objects, people, places, and events in history. Researchers use these materials for many reasons, including researching historical people, places, and events; family history; literary analysis; statistical research; studying performance practice; legal research; and marketing.

Special collections repositories are an example of a type of place where researchers can find rare and unique source materials that provide evidence of the past.