Primarily history: historians and the search for primary source materials

ABSTRACT

This paper describes the first phase of an international project that is exploring how historians locate primary resource materials in the digital age, what they are teaching their Ph.D. students about finding research materials, and what archivists are doing to facilitate access to these materials. Preliminary findings are presented from a survey of 300 historians studying American History from leading institutions of higher education in the U.S. Tentative conclusions indicate the need to provide multiple pathways of access to historical research materials including paper-based approaches and newer digital ones. The need for user education, especially in regard to electronic search methodologies is indicated.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  J. Computer Applications
  J.5 ARTS AND HUMANITIES

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems
          Subjects: Human information processing

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors

Keywords:
archives, historians, historical research, information-seeking behavior, manuscript repositories, primary resources, users