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HIST H270 What is History?

Research guide with recommended search tools and strategies

Searching for Primary Sources

  • Explore a variety of primary sources in a variety of formats. Digitized collections available through the IU Libraries and on the open web provide access to memoirs, novels, films, music, material culture, art, oral histories, newspaper articles, and much more.
  • Explore the bibliographies of your secondary sources to locate primary sources. This can inspire types of primary sources to use, or you may want to locate and reinterpret the same primary sources.
  • Search smarter, not harder. Filter your results by date range and location, and use personal and place names that are relevant to your topic as search terms. 
  • Consider the terminology used in the era that you are studying when searching. While many primary source records will be discoverable using more current language, you may have more luck if you also use the language of the time. For example, remember that people of the time were unlikely to refer to World War II as "World War II". 
  • Especially if you are searching on Google or the open web, take the time to validate the authenticity of the source. If you have questions or can't be sure, ask your professor or librarian.
  • Need to find something specific? Don't hesitate to contact me

Collections & Search Tools

Looking for full-text access to a specific newspaper or popular publication, like Rolling Stone, Ebony, Sports Illustrated, or Newsweek? Search for the publication title in IUCAT, and contact me if you aren't finding what you need. 

Search and browse the A-Z Databases list to locate relevant thematic collections, or start with one of these selections: