Broadly, primary sources can be defined as original records or objects created by participants and observers during the time the event occurred or shortly thereafter. Primary sources can differ in different disciplines, but they are incredibly important to people conducting original research. This means that they can cover a broad array of items from diaries to interviews to data sets to financial statements to press releases. Depending on what you are studying and researching, your primary source needs may differ from another person's.
At the Kraemer Family Library, we have resources to provide you with primary source materials. There are also subject liaison librarians, librarians that help support each discipline, that can help you find the information that you are looking for too.
In this guide you will find:
This guide isn't meant to be all inclusive. It is a starting point for your research. Each section will also guide you to further research and the subject librarian who can best support your research needs.
Research can be conducted by anyone - students, instructors, family, the community, etc. You have to be willing to do the work and be willing to do the work though. To be a researcher and conduct original research, you must find primary sources relevant to your research area. As mentioned before those differ and can look different for each person. However, when you combine primary research with secondary research you are well on your way to creating a research project.
You will want to make sure you are continually evaluating your sources and being mindful of the sources you are using. Better sources = better research, and evaluating sources is a critical part of the research process no matter what subject you are studying. With all that in mind, anyone can conduct research as long as you're willing to put in the effort!
