Subject Librarian
Finding Background Information
Use these sources to gain familiarity with your topic, narrow your research question, provide context, and identify experts.
- Find It @ USC LibrariesSearch for articles, books, and more or limit to USC Libraries collection.
- Oxford Reference This link opens in a new windowFully indexed, cross-searchable database of dictionary, language reference, and subject reference works in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and sciences published by Oxford University Press.
- Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
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Use to find quick facts, images or background information on various topics in dictionaries and encyclopedias.
Understanding Primary and Secondary Sources
Primary sources = Evidence
- Created during the time period or event you are studying, or produced by a participant (even if after the fact)
- Primary sources are defined by how they are used (i.e. as evidence for interpretation of the past) rather than by what they are (i.e. format or type of material)
Secondary sources = Analysis and interpretation
- Written by historians, scholars, and other researchers
- Secondary sources are based on the analysis and interpretation of primary evidence and other sources