Using Primary Sources & Archives
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Rare historical documents + you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.
Primary Sources & Archives
Reflect thinking and understanding at a moment in time
From individual people and families:
- letters, diaries, scrapbooks / photo albums
- collections of "personal papers"
Primary Sources & Archives
Primary Sources & Archives
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.
Find Primary Sources
Search: TriCo Archives & Manuscripts
How To:
• Start from Tripod: tripod.swarthmore.edu
• From the top menu, select: ...
• Select: Archives & Manuscripts
Search: ArchiveGrid
Find Primary Sources
TriCo 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
Find Primary Sources
TriCo Archives & Manuscripts
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A few suggestions to troubleshoot searches for historical documents: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)
Rare historical documents + you
(handling materials safely)
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.
Handling rare & historical materials safely
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
-
Keep papers flat (e.g. letters)
- You may be given book supports or gloves (to protect photographs).
-
Order matters:
- You'll probably be given a bookmark. Use it to note your place in a folder.
- Return each document to its place as soon as you're done with it.
Handling rare & historical materials safely
I wish I'd known...
Historical research tips
Talk to your archivist
• 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.
When citing your sources,
you'll need to know where you found them:
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.
Using Primary Sources & Archives
By Swarthmore Reference
Using Primary Sources & Archives
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