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Finding Primary Sources: Newspapers

This guide gives tips on finding primary sources online, and through the DePauw libraries.

Find local newspapers

If you're researching something that's more likely to have been written up in a local newspaper for that region, you'll want to try to get your hands on that material. However, this is a process that takes some time and effort.

First, try to find out what newspaper(s) were published in the area during the time of interest. Try these sources in Roy O. to find that list:
  • History and Bibliography of American Newspapers 1690-1820 (Z6951 .B86)
  • Newspapers in Microform United States 1948-1972 (Z6951 .U469)
  • Indiana Newspaper Bibliography (Z6952 .I6 M5 1982)
  • African-American Newspapers and Periodicals: A National Bibliography (REF PN4882.5 .A375 1998)

Next, you'll want to bring this information by Roy O., and talk to someone (in person) about interlibrary loan options. The most common option is for them to get a roll or two of microfilm loaned to us. If you need more than that, it will probably need to be returned before more can be borrowed - so you can see why this is a process that can't wait till late in the semester.

Historical Newspapers