Elrite/Kelly

Primary Sources & Oral History Resources and Guides

Part I: Online Resources for Oral Histories

Oral History Association (Collections of Oral Histories)

Oral History Online: Exemplary Online Sites for Oral Histories (Also includes tips for evaluating oral histories found online.)

The Writing Center at the University of North Carolina

University of California, Santa Cruz (Excellent collection of oral history projects; email a special collections librarian link.)

Part II: CHS School Databases (Primary Sources)

ABC-CLIO databases

There are 10 different databases in this suite. CHOOSE ONE, like American History, for example. Start with broad terms like “women,” “slaves,” or “WWII” and then narrow using the filters on the left-hand side to locate audio, speeches, photos, and other primary sources.

eLibrary/Proquest

  • Using eLibrary, try searching for your terms and then use the limiters on the left-hand side to narrow. You will also see a “primary source” indicator next to some results.
  • Using Historical Newspapers, try looking at the “topics” button. Then click through until you find original articles from your time period.
  • SIRS decades is browsable by decade and topic, or by using the search bar.

Gale

There are many databases within this suite of products. Here are a few to try and remember to use “On this Page” to narrow to primary sources, or try the advanced search page and click on “primary sources.”

  • U.S. History in Context
  • World History in Context
  • Student Resources in Context
  • Military and Intelligence Database
  • Indiana History Online

Inspire

Remember to click on “Databases A to Z” to explore the many databases available from this one link. Pay special attention to Hoosier State Chronicles, Indiana Memory, and MAS Ultra – HS Edition.

Part III: Online Sites Excellent for Primary Sources

Digital Public Library of America

Internet Public Library

Library of Congress

Library of Congress Memory

Smithsonian Source

Part IV: Print Resources

There are so many fantastic print resources available in your library that contain oodles and oodles of primary sources. Due to the diverse nature of your research, please see me or any other librarian in the CHS Media Center for help in finding these resources. I will present you with a few possibilities in my in-class talk, but please see me in the library for more help with your specific topic.