The Library has primary sources in the collection located both in the regular shelves (which you have access to) and in Special Collections (which a librarian will get for you and which you'll use in the Special Collections Reading Room).
To access primary sources (and other items within our collection), you will click on the Books & Media link on the homepage (lib.msu.edu). From there, you can do a keyword search, an advanced search (my default choice), a title search, or an author search.
Finding Primary Sources in the Library
1. Works BY Important People in the Field
Use the author tab to narrow your search to things BY the person (not just about the person). You can also use the author tab for organizations.
2. Use Special Keywords
Item Type:
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For letters, use "letters" or "correspondence"
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For interviews, use "interview" or "personal narrative"
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For diaries, use "diaries" or "journals"
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For pictures, use "photographs", "posters" or "pictorial works"
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For cartoons, use "editorial cartoon" or "political cartoon" or "caricature"
Subject Terms:
3. Limit the Time Period
Use the "within" field to limit the time period of your search.
