Primary sources are records in real time or a first-hand descriptions of events. For example, journalists on the scene, an eyewitness, spectator, or an observer can all provide immediate accounts of an event. Among the many items considered as primary are narratives, interviews, diaries, letters, memos, memoirs, speeches, photographs, maps, oral histories, government records/documents, and more. The following links provide information about primary sources and the difference between different kinds of sources (primary, secondary, and tertiary).
Search Tips Using the library Discovery system to search for primary documents. For items owned by NSU Libraries, choose the "Books and Media" tab from the library home page (link below).
Enter in key terms and add some of the keywords to narrow the search for primary source information. Some of the items will not be primary sources in the keyword search, but many will be.
Combine these keywords with search terms:
The following websites provide information about preservation, conservation, and collection care.
The following websites offer information about Oklahoma History and Native Americans.
The following search terms can be used to locate items related to public history, historic preservation, historic sites and museums, etc.
Example item: This book was located using the NSU Libraries' Discovery system and the "Everything" tab and subject search option. Search terms used: museum labels handbooks manuals
NOTE: If the item is not owned by NSU Libraries, it would be an Interlibrary Loan item.