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Primary Sources

This guide is to help users to identify, locate, and use primary sources in their research.

Introduction

Use the pages of this guide to:

  • Read definitions of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources and learn to distinguish between them
  • Locate primary sources at Bobst Library and beyond
  • Learn how to evaluate and cite primary sources

Special Collections

Primary source materials at the NYU Libraries can be found at: NYU Special Collections Center (Bobst Library), Poly Archives and Special Collections (Dibner Library) and the Abu Dhabi Archives and Special Collections

The Thrill of Discovery: Primary Sources

Chapter 6, "The Thrill of Discovery:  Primary Sources" in Jenny L. Presnell's The Information-Literate Historian: A Guide to Research for History Students (New York: Oxford University Press, 2007) provides a thorough overview of primary sources.  The chapter covers definitions, categories of sources, locating materials, and evaluating sources.

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