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FINDING PRIMARY SOURCES

How do I get Help?

Librarians are here to help you! The ways to get help are:  

• Visit us at the Reference Desk (1^st Floor Rivera Library) ~ Reference Desk hours
• Call us at (951) 827-4392
• Email us at rivref@ucr.edu
• Chat with a librarian online 
• Set up a research consultation with a librarian  (UCR faculty, staff, and students only)

How do I cite primary sources?

Acknowledging your sources is a fundamental component of any research project.  Creating a correct bibliography lets other researchers verify your research. 

• It's best to write down citation information when you actually find the materials. Don't wait until after writing your research paper to think about citations.
• You can worry about the exact format of your citations later. The format depends upon which citation style guide you use.
• Consult your instructor or syllabus regarding the citation style needed.  See Cite Your Sources  for help with the most common formats.

Additional guides on primary sources

• UC Berkeley Library Research Finding Primary Sources
• Yale University Library Primary Sources
• Using Primary Sources on the Web (Reference & User Services Association -- History Section) 
• What are Primary Sources? (Library of Congress Learning Page- Section 1) 
  

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