1. Introduction to Using Primary Sources and Special Collections

2. Primary vs. Secondary Sources
Primary sources
contain firsthand accounts of events
created contemporaneous to those events OR
later recalled by an eyewitness

3. Primary vs. Secondary Sources
removed from the original event, person, or place
provide an interpretation based on primary sources

4. Primary vs. Secondary Sources
There is a continuum from primary to secondary sources
Many sources show elements of both

5. Why use primary sources?
Provide direct evidence and information about objects, people, places, and events in history.
Allow you to make your own original interpretation about the past.
Maryland Agricultural College Stock Certificate, 1858, Maryland Manuscripts Collection #4980, Historical Manuscripts, UMD Libraries.

8. What can I find on campus?

9. A variety of formats and collections

10. UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES

11. STATE of MARYLAND

12. BROADCASTING and JOURNALISM

13. LABOR

14. POST-WAR JAPAN

15. PERFORMING ARTS

16. HISTORIC PRESERVATION

17. LITERATURE

18. RARE BOOKS

19. WOMEN’S HISTORY

20. Collections University archives Performing arts Maryland
Historic preservation
Broadcasting and journalism
Literature
Labor
Women’s history
Post-war Japan
Rare books

23. 5:00-8:00 PM Wednesday evenings
Maryland Room Hours
Monday thru Friday 10am – 5pm
Wednesday 10am – 8pm
Sunday 1pm – 6pm
Hours :
10:00-5:00 PM Monday-Friday
5:00-8:00 PM Wednesday evenings
1:00-6:00 PM Sundays

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