Primary sources, like the books and manuscripts you are consulting at Houghton, or objects you are studying at the Harvard Art Museums, are sources that were created during the time under study. Secondary sources, like journal articles or encyclopedia entries interpret and analyze primary sources. As you begin researching your objects, try the following starting points:
- Find background information through secondary sources that contextualizes the primary source you're examining.
- Read the HOLLIS catalog records for the objects you're researching at Houghton Library. If some of the terminology in the HOLLIS record doesn't make sense to you, try consulting a an encyclopedia, dictionary or glossary.
- Talk to a librarian! We are delighted to help you. For help in this class, contact: