Need Help with primary sources or archival materials? LSU Libraries Special Collections has a vast collection on rare books, manuscripts, and other special research materials on a variety of topics. For more information visit their website.
You can also make an appointment with one of the Special Collections Librarians. Contact them via email to set up an appointment.
Alia Kempton: akempton@lsu.edu
Zach Tompkins: ztompkins1@lsu.edu
Historical Research often involves these steps
It should be noted that the research process is rarely linear. Many of these steps may occur multiple times throughout the research process. This is normal.
(Berg & Lune, 2012, 311 and https://ecu.au.libguides.com/historical-research-method)
Historical Research depends heavily on both Primary and Secondary sources
Primary Sources
Primary sources are contemporary to the time period in which they were created. These sources can give researchers insight into various aspects of the time period in question and can be analyzed in a variety of ways depending on the research goal.
Examples of Primary Sources include but are not limited to the following:
You typically find primary sources in archives. Archives can be associated with a larger organization such as a library, university, or government entity. They can also be independently run.
Secondary Sources
Secondary sources are resources that are developed through an evaluation of primary source evidence. These can be scholarly or for general consumption.
Examples of Secondary Sources include but are not limited to the following:
Secondary sources are typically found among library resources.