Sarah Elichko
Social Sciences & Data Librarian
Last updated: 09/10/19
General Introduction
(+ a focus on TriCo special collections)
Primary sources & archives
How do you find interesting primary sources?
Rare historical documents + you
(handling materials safely)
I wish I'd known...
(tips from historians + researchers)
Researchers use primary sources because they provide a firsthand account of events or conditions during a particular period in time.
Many documents used as primary sources were recorded contemporaneously by participants or observers.
Reflect thinking and understanding at a moment in time
From individual people and families:
- letters, diaries, scrapbooks / photo albums
- collections of "personal papers"
Organizations create records through the course of doing their work:
• Notes/minutes taken during meetings
• Newsletters, annual reports, other publications
• Photographs taken of speeches or protest marches
Consider also sources from organizations (e.g. colleges, activist groups)
You'll hear these records referred to as the archives of the organization.
How To:
• Start from Tripod: tripod.swarthmore.edu
• From the top menu, select: ...
• Select: Archives & Manuscripts
Approach 1: Browsing
- Start by looking through subject areas for ideas.
- Filtering results lets you see:
• Only materials from Friends Historical Library
• Only materials from Swarthmore Peace Collection
Each result describes a collection of documents.
TIP: View a full description + list: Print icon --> opens a PDF
Approach 2: Searching
- Include synonyms in your search:
quaker* OR "society of friends"
- Account for word endings:
Search for quaker* --> 400+ more results than quaker
Key takeaways: 1. Search thoughtfully + 2. Ask for help
Can't find what you're looking for?
A few suggestions to troubleshoot searches for historical documents:
What words might have been used to describe your topic at this time + place?
If searching by subject/issue isn't working well, look for the names of relevant organizations or individuals. (secondary sources can be helpful)
Try another research tool: TriCo Images & Manuscripts (digitized sources)
What to expect:
• 1st visit: You'll register as a researcher.
• After that: sign in whenever you visit.
Table service:
• You'll ask the archivist or other staff for
documents, rather than getting them
yourself.
• This is called paging.
Typically, it's OK to use:
- Pencil and notebook
- Phone (for photos)
- Laptop
But while using rare materials, no:
- Food or drinks (including water bottles)
- Backpacks (can usually store)
- Pens or highlighters
• Archives staff know their collections well. They're an invaluable resource for any researcher. Let them know what you're interested in - you may get suggestions you'd never have found otherwise.
• On a practical note: Let archives staff know that you're planning to visit. (Some documents may be kept off-site and take a few days to request.)
Booth Tarkington to George Ade, 8 May 1924, Box 10, Folder 5, George Ade Papers 1878-2007, Purdue University Archives and Special Collections, Purdue University Libraries.
Booth Tarkington to George Ade, 8 May 1924, Box 10, Folder 5, George Ade Papers 1878-2007, Purdue University Archives and Special Collections, Purdue University Libraries.
Booth Tarkington to George Ade, 8 May 1924, Box 10, Folder 5, George Ade Papers 1878-2007, Purdue University Archives and Special Collections, Purdue University Libraries.
Recap: Archives & Primary Sources
• Primary source documents offer you a unique perspective on the past.
• Tripod Archives & Manuscripts lets you explore what's available at Swarthmore.
• Because you'll be working with rare or one-of-a-kind materials, you'll be asked to handle these sources carefully.
• Archivists and library staff can help you succeed: reach out, talk with us about your project, and ask questions.