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Checklist for Getting Started with Locating Sources
- Find a topic in which you have a keen interest or passion.
- Complete background reading, noting any essential names, dates, or resources.
- Search for books/articles/documents mentioned in the resources used for background reading.
- Go to PittCat to locate books (print and online) and to the library databases to locate scholarly articles.
- Refer to the references or bibliography section of secondary sources; these can help you find primary sources.
- Go to primary source databases and search (some might require extra patience and time).
- Leave yourself enough time to identify useful primary sources and to locate and acquire these.
- Schedule a library consultation with Jenelle Jensen (jme26@pitt.edu).
