Skip to Main Content

History Subject Guide — Getting Started

This guide discusses library resources that are available for undergraduate and graduate students in the History Department at UConn.

History Subject Guide

This guide is designed to help students conduct historical research.  After reading this guide, students will be able to:

  • Describe the difference between primary and secondary sources
  • Identify appropriate databases for their topics
  • Construct searches that are specific and relevant to their topics
  • Critique websites for quality and correctness of information
  • Construct citations in Chicago style

Primary vs. Secondary Sources

What is the difference between primary and secondary sources in historical research?

Primary

  • Original, first-hand account
  • Created during the event being discussed
  • Examples include diaries, newspaper articles, government documents

Secondary

  • Do not provide first-hand evidence
  • Created some time after the event being discussed
  • Analyze information gathered from primary sources
  • Examples include scholarly articles/books, biographies

Other Useful Research Guides

General Information

Profile Photo
David Avery
Contact:
Homer Babbidge Library
369 Fairfield Way
Storrs, CT 06269
(860) 486-1582
Subjects: History