Finding material at the library can sometimes be tricky. This page will guide you through the process of finding a source, whether that is primary or secondary, online or at a library.
A primary source refers to original events - for example an artifact, a recording, or research data. They provide first-hand testimony or direct evidence regarding the topic under study, and are often created at the time under investigation. As such, memoirs, letters, posters, and religious texts are all great primary sources for a historian. Alternatively, for a scientist the original publication of new data, results and theories are important sources of primary material.
The value in using primary sources lies in their ability to reflect something first-hand, having not been interpreted by someone else. That is not to say a primary source cannot be biased - they are still often a reflection of their original creator's worldview (for example a diary).
How to find primary sources depends a lot on what type of source you need, and for what subject. Archives are a fantastic place to find a variety of primary sources.
Many primary sources can be accessed through the Claremont Lincoln University subscribed and open access databases. Find our full list of databases here. It is worth noting that articles and books available through a database are not in themselves a primary source, but they often contain valuable research and primary sources.
If you are unsure of where to start searching, it is a good idea to talk to your professor or by connecting with a librarian, as both are experienced in how to locate sources for your specific discipline.
Secondary sources provide secondhand analysis of a subject or event, often including interpretations of primary sources. In contrast to primary sources, secondary sources tend to be written after an event has occurred. Common examples are books and articles.
Secondary sources can often provide a more rounded and in-depth understanding of a subject, presenting analysis and background information not typically available in a primary source. As such, they can expand and develop your knowledge by examining the context, causes and results of an event, artifact, or data. It is important to use secondary sources written by experts in their field, as their insights are more credible and can thus better support your own research.
Searching the Claremont Lincoln University library catalog is a fast and simple way to find secondary sources. Use key words related to your subject, or the name of a prominent scholar in the field to find appropriate books.
Peer-reviewed articles are also great secondary sources. You can search for articles a database related to your subject. Explore CLU's databases here.