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Primary Sources (United States History)

This guide is an introduction to what primary sources are in the field of history, how to use primary sources, how to read and transcribe original documents and links to on-line primary sources by historic topic.

Library Databases

The Library has subscription access to collections of primary source material in several databases. From the A-Z Database List, use the type dropdown to narrow to primary Sources.

IOT Library A-Z Database List

IOT Library Catalog - Atriuum

You can use the Library OPAC - Atriuum to find books with primary sources. This includes reprints of original works like letters, speeches, and diaries, as well as published works like autobiographies.

Use Keywords to search for common kinds of primary source materials

Letters Oral Histories Photographs
Speeches Documents Research Data
Autobiography Archives and Manuscripts Historic Newspapers and Magazines

These Keywords are search categories on the Visual Tab on the IOT Catalog click General Interests Category for Primary Sources. Each category listed pulls resources across the collection regardless of Material Type, LC Call Number or Medium.

Visual Search Primary Sources