Handbook for Historians Research Guide

Sources for History research can include books, articles, and historical materials. Start searching in the boxes below. 

Use these definitions to help you determine if a source is primary or secondary: 

Primary Sources:

• Are materials that contain direct evidence, first-hand testimony, or an eyewitness account concerning a topic or event under investigation
• Are materials or documents that were created during the time of the event in which you are interested
• Provide the raw data for your research

Examples of Primary Sources

• Diaries, letters, correspondence, interviews
• newspaper articles directly reporting on the event,
• Government documents, maps, interviews,
• Statistics, or photographs. 

The way a source is interpreted or used by the researcher determines whether it is a primary source. Most sources have the potential to be a primary source, but it always depends on the historical context.

Secondary Sources:

• Often interpret or analyze primary sources
• Often analyze or interpret a topic or an event 
• Are materials or documents created after the time of the event or topic in which you are interested

Examples of Secondary Sources

• Scholarly books
• Scholarly book reviews 
• Scholarly articles or essays
• Biographies
• Documentaries
• Textbooks
• Many books and articles with "review," "history," "criticism," "interpretation," "analysis," or "commentary" in the title

   

Always remember that a librarian can help with any research questions you have! 

Middle Ages

Ancient Civilizations

Modern History - 14th-18th Centuries

Modern History -19th century - present