A primary source is a first-hand or contemporary account of an event or topic. Primary sources are original materials, regardless of format.Letters, diaries, minutes, photographs, artifacts, interviews, and sound or video recordings are examples of primary sources created as a time or event is occurring.
Secondary sources usually use primary sources and offer interpretation, analysis, or commentary. Common examples include criticisms, histories, and magazine, journal, or newspaper articles written after the fact.
One of the best ways to begin a research project is to browse through the library shelves. English literature and books of English literary criticism are all found on the fourth floor. PR1-9680 is the call number range where these books are held. PS1-3626 is call number for American literature and literary criticism Some useful call numbers are:
PR
|
PS 1-3576 American literature 126-138 Biography, memoirs, letters, etc. 147-152 Women authors 163-173 Treatment of special subjects, classes 185-22 By period 185-195 17th/18th century 201-21. 19th century 221-228 20th century 241-286 Special regions, states, etc 241-255 North 261-267 South 271-285 West and Central 301-325 Poetry 330-352 Drama 360-379 Prose 370-379 Prose fiction 400-408 Oratory 409 Diaries 410-418 Letters 420-428 Essays 430-438 Wit and humor, satire 451-478 Folk literature 490 Juvenile literature (general) 501-688 Collections of American literature 530-536.2 By period |