Research Using Primary Sources (Poster Session)

Joanne Archer, University of Maryland
Ann Hanlon, University of Maryland - College Park
Jennie Levine, University of Maryland

Abstract

The use of primary source materials poses a unique challenge to researchers, requiring the acquisition of specialized skills. Using an online research guide entitled "Research Using Primary Sources" (http://www.lib.umd.edu/special/research/) as a starting point, we tested 23 undergraduate and graduate students to assess how well they understood how to find and use special collection materials. The study goes beyond questions of navigability towards a deeper understanding of research behaviors. The initial results indicate that undergraduate, and even graduate, researchers often overcomplicate their search strategies based on behaviors learned for traditional library research. Expectations based on past experiences play a significant role with the types of primary sources student researchers may find and also with how they may construct their search strategy. While dependence on library search strategies is not always effective when searching for primary source materials, the fact that users remember and try to implement these skills points to the need for archivists to provide a model specifically designed for primary source instruction. Additionally, although results point to a need to reevaluate our access tools, particularly finding aids, specific archival terminology did not provide a significant challenge to users if they were given access to simple definitions and explanations. These preliminary results indicate that a more concerted effort at user education within the archival profession - both in person and online - could significantly improve research strategies for our patrons.