Finding primary sources can be overwhelming - because there are so many, and the search process isn't very streamlined. Here are a couple of tips on finding primary sources:
- Think about what type of "evidence" you would need to make your argument. If you are talking about the experiences of women, perhaps you'd like to find a diary or letter. If you are talking about the types of propaganda or messages put out during a war, you mind want to find a poster or cartoon.
- Use the works cited lists of your secondary sources! What type of primary sources are your author(s) using in their books and articles? If one sounds particularly interesting, can you find the full text/image? Or a librarian can help you!
- An important thing to consider when searching for primary sources is that the terminology surrounding your topic has likely changed over time. Example: You are researching how racism affected the lives of people in the early 1800s, but “racism” was not a term that was used widely by people in that time period. Instead, you will need to find evidence of racism to make your case.
Below is a link to a longer explanation on the definition of a primary source, and some other tips.