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Research Guides

HIS109 : Introduction to Primary Sources

This guide is intended to assist students in finding primary sources as required by HIS 109. By Sara McDowell (Robarts Library) and Roma Kail (E. J. Pratt Library).

3 Ways to find primary sources

 

1. Start with what you know: to uncover references to primary sources.

2. Use the library catalogue to find books and other materials.

3.  Use reliable online text collections.

Start with what you have

Consult the following for references to primary sources on your topic. 

  • class notes
  • course readings
  • bibliographies of your textbook, journal articles, or other secondary sources
  • historical encyclopedias

They can also help you identify relevant historical figures authors, or keywords for searching library databases.

Historical encyclopedias online