Using Archives
& Primary Sources
for Peace & Conflict Studies Research
Sarah Elichko
Social Sciences
& Data Librarian
PEACE 15
09/24/2019
Primary Sources & Archives
Citing Archival Sources
Rare historical documents + you
(handling materials safely)
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 (correspondence)
- Diaries and journals
- Scrapbooks, photo albums, slides
- Personal and family papers
- Telegrams
What kinds of primary sources can you find?
Organizations create records through the course of doing their work:
• Notes/minutes taken during meetings
• Newsletters, annual reports, other publications
• Photographs of speeches or protest marches
• Memos (memoranda)
From organizations (e.g. colleges, activist groups)
You'll hear these records referred to as the archives of the organization.
What kinds of primary sources can you find?
Example searches:
Civil Rights organizer Bayard Rustin
How do you find relevant primary sources?
Search Trico Archives & Manuscripts
Rare historical documents + you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
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 items carefully.
• Archivists and library staff can help you succeed: reach out, talk with us about your project, and ask questions.
(See also: TriCo archivists' Guide to Using Archives)
PEAC 015: Archives & Primary Sources
By Swarthmore Reference
PEAC 015: Archives & Primary Sources
- 636
