This document provides information on finding and using primary sources from databases. It defines what primary sources are, explains why they are useful for research as they are original records created at the time of events. It discusses where to find primary source materials like archives, museums and databases. It provides tips for searching databases and evaluating primary sources, including considering their context, audience, purpose and potential biases. Examples are given of using databases to limit searches to primary documents and save or cite relevant sources.

1. Finding Primary Sources Using Databases

2. Primary Sources, what? Original records created at the time historical events occurred, or Memoirs and oral histories, created after the event occurred. Letters, manuscripts, diaries, journals, newspapers, speeches, interviews, memoirs, documents produced by government agencies, photographs, audio recordings, videos, research data, and objects or artifacts such as works of art or ancient roads, buildings, tools, and weapons. “Using Primary Sources on the Web” Reference and User Services, ALA.10 Jan. 2008. Web. 11 Mar 2010.

3. Primary Sources, why? where? Why? Original evidence Stories altered/distorted when retold--> telephone game. Where? Originals: National Archives, Museums, Private Holdings. Scanned Image of Document or Transcribed Text: Databases, books.

4. Example: Herbert Hoover: quote on the Great Depression "Once upon a time my political opponents honored me as possessing the fabulous intellectual and economic power by which I created a world-wide depression all by myself." "Herbert Hoover: quote on the Great Depression." American History. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 19 Mar. 2010. <http://www.americanhistory.abc-clio.com>.

5. Primary Sources… need analysis! Where was the source made/found? Who is the intended audience? What is the purpose? Is their bias in the account? What is the tone? What assumptions/conclusions does author make? Is the information intentionally distorted?

6. Databases, why? Is the information provided accurate or biased? Who is responsible for providing this information? Why are they providing this information? Are their resources accurate, evaluated and reputable? What do others say about using this resource?

7. Searching Eliminate unnecessary words. Does this phrase/term have an alternate meaning? Do I need to be more specific? more general? Possible synonyms? Advanced Search Boolean operators: “, and, not, ( ).

8. User ID: Password: Choose database Advanced Search Choose Categories and Era No save or folders option; use ID number as reference/bookmark. Image source under image Check other databases

9. User ID: Password: Choose database, (American History Online) Folder login (top right), create folder, login Learning Center Topic Primary Sources and Additional Resources Save wanted items

10. General, not subject limited, database User ID: Password: Choose Student Research Center Sign In using tab at top. Create account. Use Destiny sign in info for user ID and password. Uncheck all, check Primary Source Docs or Enter search terms “the great depression” Advanced Search to limit primary source type Click on Print for work cited Information. Add “to save” items to folder

11. User ID: Pasword: World Book Advanced Advanced Search Uncheck All Check Primary Sources and choose Sound and Picture types Enter Search Terms

12. Exit Card: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YGST2WX