TRU Library owns or has access to a number of primary sources for history. This page outlines how to locate these primary source documents.
Primary sources are first-hand accounts from the time period involved. They were created by someone directly involved in the events you’re studying, at the time of the event (or very soon after). They serve as “raw material” to help researchers get as close as possible to what actually happened during an historical event or time period
For example: diaries, letters, photographs, art, maps, original video, film or sound recordings, interviews, or newspaper articles
Secondary sources are created after the fact by individuals or groups who did NOT witness the events being discussed. They describe, analyze, interpret, report, or correlate the information about an event, thing, idea, or someone's life based on their study of primary material AFTER the events in question. They are often based on primary sources.
For example: scholarly or popular books and articles, reference books, biographies, or textbooks
Discover
Two options (and you will get very different results, so try both):
Option 1:
Run your search and then click on the "show more" link under the "Content Type" option to refine your results. Select "Primary Source Documents" and then click on the update" button (NOTE: Does not work very well)
Option 2 (Better):
Run your search and then click on the "Advanced Search" link underneath the search box. In the second box, add one of the following subheadings to limit your search results and change the search from "select a field" to " SU subject":
Note: "sources" is the most useful term
For example, if you wish to do a search for primary sources from the Middle Ages, use:
history sources medieval
To find primary sources about women in history, try:
women early works
The Internet has lots of primary sources, but it is very important to look at who is providing the digitized content. The recommended sources listed below have primary documents on many subject areas in European History. Be sure to use the tips in the "Through Discover & the TRU Library Catalogue" (left) to locate many more primary sources.
