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A Guide to Primary Sources: Start

The materials listed are a sampling of resources that may prove helpful in historical research. Look, too, for collections of documents published as anthologies or for important historical texts from the many sources listed below.

Primary Source Books in the Gustavus Library

To find primary source materials available in the Gustavus library, go to the Advanced Search in the library catalog.  In one of the search boxes, enter the word "source" and set the field to "Subject."  Then, enter keywords related to your topic in another box.  This search will bring back primary source materials that are in edited volumes.

Getting Started with Archival Resources

There is no particular area in the library, aside from the archives, where you will find primary sources shelved. You need to use creativity and insight to think about where to find primary sources for your research. Diaries, memoirs, and letters are possibilities; so are popular press accounts of events and official documents. The items listed below are a sampling of resources that may prove helpful in historical research. Look, too, for collections of documents published as anthologies or for important historical texts from the web sources listed below.

If you need help, please don't hesitate to ask a librarian!
 

Tank crew standing in front of an M-4 tank, Ft. Knox, Ky. (LOC)Letter from Adam Castillo to All Captains, 10/30/1925
 

Photo credits
Tank crew standing in front of an M-4 tank, Ft. Knox, Ky. (LOC) - http://www.flickr.com/photos/library_of_congress/2179057727/in/photostream/
Letter from Adam Castillo to All Captains, 10/30/1925 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/usnationalarchives/4101518582/

 

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