Specific Types of Sources

Primary Sources

 

The following web sites, catalogs, and databases give history scholars access to primary sources:

 

► Rice Library Catalog

► WorldCat

► America: History & Life

► Historical Abstracts

► A Guide to Primary Sources for U.S. History

► EuroDocs: Online Sources for European History

 

Example search for primary sources in WorldCat:

 

1. Type Abigail Adams in the first text box. Type correspondence in the second text box.

2. Click on Search.

3. Optional: substitute the word “correspondence” with other terms that denote primary sources:

• Archival resources
• Archives
• Diaries
• Sources
• Interviews
• Narratives
• Manuscripts
• Photographs
• Public opinion
• Pictorial works

screenshot of a database

WorldCat search for primary sources.

 

See also: Historical Methods Subject Guide

 

For further assistance locating primary sources, please visit, call or email the Rice Library Reference Desk: (812) 464-1907 / 1-800-246-6173, or libref@usi.edu.