Q. How do I find primary sources on an author/event/topic?

Many of the Berkeley College Library databases offer Primary Sources. You can find databases with a check mark in the “Primary Sources” column to identify those which could help you find these types of resources. Below are some examples. 

​Finding primary sources about an event:

1. Start from Engage. Click on the Library tile in Engage to get to the Library website.
2. Then select the  “A-Z Databases” tile. This will bring you to the list of Databases. 
3. Find the subject category named “History” and click on “American.” This will take you to Facts on File: American History Online.
4. On the main page of American History Online, search for the event or topic in the search box.
5. On the search results page, click on “Primary Sources” in the toolbar under the search box.  This will limit your results to only primary sources such as legal documents, speeches and diaries.  On the right side, you can limit further by type of primary document.

Finding primary sources about other topics:

1. Start from Engage. Click on the Library tile in Engage to get to the Library website.
2. Then select the  “A-Z Databases” tile. This will bring you to the list of Databases. 
3. Once on the Database page, the databases are listed alphabetically and you can scroll down to find "Academic Search Premier." You can also find it by selecting the letter "A."
4. Find and click on “Academic Search Premier.”
5. Before typing your topic in the search box, find the “Publication Type” box and select “Primary Source Document.”
   
   
    
6. Then proceed with searching.  All of your results should have the “Primary Source” icon next to it. 

Finding primary sources about a person:

1. Start from Engage. Click on the Library tile in Engage to get to the Library website.
2. Then select the  “A-Z Databases” tile. This will bring you to the list of Databases. 
3. Select "B" and click on "Biography in Context."
4. SeIn the search box type the name of the person. 
5. On the search results page look for "Primary Sources" (under the quick biography).

NOTE: Not all biographies will have 'primary sources.'