History Research Guide

Primary Sources

Primary sources are contemporary documents that are associated with the historical event. Examples of primary sources include diaries, letters, magazine and newspaper articles, court hearings, and government documents.

For a more in-depth explanation and further examples, visit the guide listed below.

To find primary sources in print search the EIU Library Catalog.
Examples of primary sources in the Booth Library collection are:

Booth also has several historical newspaper and magazine databases that provide access to primary sources.

These historical newspaper and magazine databases are useful for primary source research