HI 121 Primary Source Searching Homework Assignment
Tips on Searching for Published Primary Sources
Subject headings are standardized phrases (or, "controlled vocabularies" in more technical terms) that are assigned to every book, e-book, and journal article in a library's collection. Although they may seem a little intimidating at first, using subject headings when you search for the best source materials on a given topic can end up saving you a lot of time! Try clicking on the subject headings listed below to get a sense of how they work. When you feel ready, consider using them yourself in future research by copying and pasting them into the library's catalog!
Additionally, if you find a great book or e-book in the library's catalog, click on the "Description" tab in the book's record and scroll to the list of "Subjects." Try clicking on the most relevant subject heading you see to find other great books!
Primary Source Databases
- Early American Newspapers, Series 1: From Colonies to Nation This link opens in a new window
A full-text, searchable database of over 700 early U.S. newspapers from 1690-1876. - Slavery and Anti-Slavery This link opens in a new window
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A collection devoted to the transatlantic history of slavery. It includes books, manuscripts, court records, serials, pamphlets, and a variety of other primary source materials. - Introduction to U.S. History: American Revolution This link opens in a new window
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Personal narratives and memoirs Political pamphlets and speeches, sermons and poems, legislative journals and popular magazines documenting the American Revolution from the earliest protests in 1765 through the peace treaty of 1783. - Introduction to U.S. History: Civil War This link opens in a new window
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Personal narratives and memoirs, pamphlets and political speeches, sermons and songs, regimental histories and photograph albums, legal treatises and children's books documenting the Civil War. - Introduction to U.S. History: Slavery in America This link opens in a new window
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Personal narratives, pamphlets, addresses, political speeches, monographs, sermons, plays, songs, poetic and fictional works published between the 17th and late 19th centuries documenting key aspects of the history of slavery in America.
