Skip to Main Content

Primary Sources - An Introductory Guide

This site outlines what constitutes a prime research resource. The information presented here is designed to illustrate details on the value of finding and utilizing unique historical materials.

Library Resources

Searching the Library Catalog

When searching the catalog through SHU Search, combine your topic (such as a subject, personal name, or place name) with the words "history sources" to find works not only about the topic but with documents and primary sources related to the topic.

Examples:

  • pirate "history sources"
  • humanism "history sources"
  • women france "history sources"

Archives and Special Collections

The Msgr. Field Archives and Special Collections Center at Seton Hall University is an excellent resource for finding primary sources. 

Our archival collections include the records of individuals and organizations and are comprised of primary sources such as letters, diaries, meeting minutes, record books, ledgers, manuscript drafts, and a variety of publications.