Political Science/Geography

Primary sources are first-hand accounts created by participants in or witnesses to a particular event.  The writers of these accounts are CONTEMPORARY to the event.  Examples of primary sources include diaries, letters, speeches, memoirs, autobiographies, interviews, transcripts of oral history sessions, treaties, church records, census records, photographs, maps, and certain government publications. 

Primary sources are very exciting.  These people witnessed and recorded an historic event.  To the right you will see several linked sites which provide access to primary sources.   Look at them.  Part of research is discovering those primary resources specific to your subject.  Do not neglect the Mabee Library's Online Catalog as a place to start your search.  WorldCat is another great place to check.  Primary sources are just everywhere.  Look under every unturned rock.  That source might just be the key to a great research project.  Happy Hunting!

For the last six years, the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University has conducted an annual statewide public opinion survey we call Kansas Speaks.  The questions include ratings of elected officials and opinions on salient political and social issues.  

Web sites which provide political science/geography resources:

Government documents can be a great source of information.  With that intent the U.S. Government Printing Office has launched Federal Digital System (FDsys) as its new online repository of government documents. Documents are added daily and releases with additional functionality will occur throughout the next several years. Click below to access FDsys.