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HISTORY 121: World History

About this Guide

This guide facilitates access to resources for History 121. To access the various sections of this guide, click on the tabs at the top of this page. If you need help identifying a scholarly article, a scholarly book source, or a primary source for your research paper, please email Erin Hvizdak, erin.hvizdak@wsu.edu.

Books as primary sources

Primary sources often reflect the individual perspective, experience, or viewpoint of a participant or observer. A book that was written during the time period you are researching may be considered a primary source.  Published letters, personal narratives, diaries, autobiographies, memoirs, and documents are some examples of primary sources that are commonly published in book format.

To find primary sources through Search It, the library catalog, use the "advanced search"  feature. Combine your keywords with specific subject terms, such as diaries, correspondence, interviews, etc.

Some standard Library of Congress subject headings for primary sources include:  autobiographies, correspondence, diaries, interviews, memoirs, oral histories, pamphlets, periodicals, personal narratives, sources, wills.

screenshot of a Search It search for "french revolution" AND "letters"


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