History Research Guide

A guide to articles, books, and other resources for research in history.

Open Internet Searching Tips for Primary Sources

Tips and Tricks

Many primary sources exist on the open internet, collected by universities, museums, and other cultural institutions. A Google search is sometimes the best way to find these sources! 

  • Adding words like "archive", "papers", "primary source", "letters", "correspondence", etc. to the end of a search can help pull up primary sources.
  • Domain searching limits your search to certain types of websites. Websites that end in .edu, .org, and .gov can all be good places to look for primary sources. This is done by adding "site:**domain here**
    • Example search: Tennessee and segregation and archive site:.edu
  • Be aware: Evaluate the primary source and its website it comes from to make sure it is credible. 
    • Is there an "about us"  or another part of the website explaining who runs it and why?
    • Where did this website come by the primary source?
    • How old is the information?
  • If you have questions, please reach out to a librarian!
Google Web Search

Primary Source Databases-General History

The library has access to several primary source databases. A full listing can be found on the Primary Sources for Student Projects Guide, linked below.

Book a research consultation!

Need help with your research? Book a research consultation with a research librarian. They are available to meet in-person or over Zoom. 

a blue box that says "schedule an appointment" with a link that leads to Melissa's scheduler

 

Primary Source Guide

If you're working on a larger project or are interested in primary sources available on the web, visit the Primary Sources for Student Projects guide below. 

Open Primary Source Collections