Researchers make use of primary sources in order to understand and reconstruct the past. Remember that primary sources are subjective accounts, and that the researchers who use them apply their own subjective ideas to their understanding of the sources.

Researchers can use primary sources to:

• Confirm or contradict perceptions of a time period or event;
• Understand the cultures and values of people in the past;
• Discover relationships between people; and
• Investigate past social, political, and economic conditions.

Tips for using primary sources:

• Conduct background research on the era/person/event/culture before using the primary sources. Referring to secondary sources may help you understand the larger context in which the primary sources were created.
• Keep in mind that you bring your modern-day experiences, values, and assumptions to your interpretation of primary sources. While this is unavoidable to some extent, try to understand the documents within the context that they were created.
• When you find information, be sure to note the collection name and the item's location (box, folder, etc.) where you found it. You will need this information when you cite your sources.
• Allow plenty of time to do your research. You may have to sort through numerous materials before you find relevant information.
• Primary sources may provide clues that lead you to other sources or new ways of researching. [Example]