Primary Sources

A search of the Library Catalog will show you all book titles in both print and electronic formats. Click the link and then the Library Catalog tab to enter in the title, author, or ISBN information to search for your title or subject matter.  Remember to use the "Availability" limiters on the left side of the results page to refine your search results to a preferred format.

Most ebooks can be downloaded to your device. Print titles are arranged on the shelves by Library of Congress Call Numbers (A-G on the 3rd floor, H-Z on the 4th floor). The location and Call Number is listed under each print title in the catalog.

Here is a books-only search for your convenience! Try title, author, subject, or keywords.

Search Tip

A search term can be used in combination with another search term to improve the relevance of your search results in databases, the Library's Articles & More and Catalog searches, and even in Google and other search engines.

To locate primary sources via the library catalog, here are some research starters.

Examples:

• vietnam war AND correspondence
• french revolution AND documents
• civil war AND primary sources

In essence, construct a search using a topic PLUS a term or phrase that designates a primary source:

• historical topic (person, place, or event) AND a type of primary source (e.g., letters, correspondence, memoirs, etc.)

Here are some more examples of terms and phrases for primary sources that can be added to a catalog search:

• personal narratives
• correspondence
• letters
• diaries
• memoirs
• interviews
• speeches
• quotations
• periodicals [identifies newspapers, magazines or journals]
• manuscripts
• reports