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Researching a Topic in 4 Easy Steps
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What do you need?    Books    Articles    Primary sources    Internet resources    Book reviews    Dissertations    Statistical information    Images    Videos    Music scores    Sound recordings    Internet reference sources   

Research assistance    More tips on researching at Yale    Printable version of this guide
Practical tips     Finding secondary sources     Finding primary sources

Practical tips

  • Talk to the Library's Subject Specialist for your area of study.
  • Become familiar with the resources listed in the Library Subject Guide for your area of study.
  • Take a look at the Library's "Researching a Topic in 4 Easy Steps" Web site and Sterling's Using Manuscripts and Archives: A Tutorial
  • Especially when doing research outside of Yale, do advance preparation.
    Most manuscript repositories have websites with info. on policies and procedures
    Write ahead:
    Find out what types of identification or credentials are required
    Purchase inventory or finding aid if it is not online.
    Request boxes ahead of time in case they are offsite.
    Find out about procedures and fees for photocopying.
    Investigate Interlibrary Loan possibilities
    Some repositories will lend primary source materials in microfilm or microfiche format.

Finding secondary sources

Finding primary sources

Back to Researching a Topic in Four Easy Steps

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This file last modified 07/31/06
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