How do I compile a primary source bibliography?
The crucial basis for a good major paper is the cluster of primary sources that will provide the basis for your investigation, interpretation, and argument. Ideally, you will pick a topic that has not been fully explored or perhaps you will approach a familiar topic with new sources, a new approach, or a comparative framework that will shed new light onto the subject.
Locating primary sources requires some digging. Start first with the resources provided in our library/archives tours. Track the footnotes and bibliography in your secondary sources to find primary sources. Go exploring in Wilson and in local archives. Talk to your instructor.
To know whether you really have a feasible project you must actually LOOK at your main sources. What kinds of information do they contain, and in what volume? Are they readable (language, handwriting, quality of copy or microform, etc.)? At this stage you are not actually beginning the research, just verifying its feasibility.
Ask your primary sources these questions:
- Where are the sources located? Are there any restrictions on access
(either special permissions or limited hours of the archive)?
- How voluminous are the sources: how many boxes or volumes or pages
or whatever?
- What kinds of materials will you be working with? e.g., letters,
diaries, speeches, reports, financial records, legislative debates or
journals, statistical reports, census manuscripts, etc.
- For whom were these records originally compiled, and why? What difficulties
of interpretation do you foresee?
- How will these documents help you test your hypotheses or explore your research questions?
