What is a primary source?
A primary source is a document, image, artifact, or dataset that provides first-hand testimony or direct evidence concerning the object of research.
Why should I use primary sources?
You should use this type of source to provide evidence for your thesis or the basis of your interpretation on a topic.
What are some examples of primary sources?
Primary sources may include, but are not limited to, artwork, correspondence, diaries, interviews, literary texts, material artifacts, newspapers, speeches, statistics, and videos.
JumboSearch can be used to find books, articles, films, and other resources from Tisch Library. You can even customize your search results to return primary source material if you combine select subject terms with your other search terms. For example, you could search for "Diaries" and "Native American." Here are other subject terms useful for finding primary sources: