Secondary sources are documents based upon or derived from primary sources. There are many examples of secondary sources, including books which summarize previous research, or interpret or analyze primary sources. Books are an essential element in the research process.
An excellent place to begin to look for books is our online catalog. Most books have threads which lead to other sources. These threads are called bibliographies and notes [footnotes, chapter notes, or end notes]. Following these threads is so vital in the research process. Finding the books which an author has cited can be a difficult process, but it does not have to be. Here are some tips to finding those book threads.
Hardly any library has every book which a researcher might want. After an online catalog search fails to find a book, there are other local, state, and national options which can be found with the other libraries link. In most cases doing an interlibrary loan from another library is a best option. Allow the library staff to decide where to get the book. You have enough issues in developing a research strategy, writing drafts, etc. Let the library staff do some of the book finding for you. The library staff will use such tools as the bibliographic database WorldCat to find which library owns what you need.
Government documents can be a great source of information. With that intent the U.S. Government Printing Office has launched Federal Digital System (FD-sys) 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 FD-sys.
This link opens in a new window
Comprehensive catalog of books and other materials in libraries worldwide. Displays library holdings for libraries in the U.S. and worldwide. Includes a direct link for interlibrary loan via Tipasa. Coverage: Approximately 3400 BCE - present.