Methods
Research Tools
Historians use various research tools to help with findability, obtaining copies, and organizing primary and secondary sources.
Here are some basic research aids to keep in your historian’s toolkit
Zotero
Zotero is a free citation organizer developed by historians. Access it at https://www.zotero.org/. You can visit the CSU Michael Schwartz Library research guide to get started https://researchguides.csuohio.edu/zotero
Lab 1: Constructing an Annotated Bibliography in Zotero
- Review the Zotero research guide from Michael Schwartz Library: https://researchguides.csuohio.edu/zotero
- Create a Zotero account at https://www.zotero.org/ if you do not have one already
- Create a new group library in your Zotero library that includes your name and topic in the title. This folder will be for your digital humanities project (see instructions https://pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu/ppg/chapter/ppgproject/) or a topic that you want to explore for your project. Share the folder with your instructor (username listed in your course Module). Let your instructor know if you have questions.
- Search the library catalog and related search engines for sources related to your case study. Add them to your folder.
- In the notes field for each source, add 2-3 lines of annotation. This means a short description of your sourcing and how this source fits into your broader project.
- Your annotated bibliography for this lab will consist of at least 2 primary sources and 3 secondary sources.
Helpful Links:
Installing Zotero on a Chromebook: https://www.zotero.org/support/kb/installing_on_a_chromebook
Other Archival Research Tools:
Tropy
Many historians and students of history now take digital photos in archives in order to file them for future research and writing. Indeed, some archives prefer this to photocopying often fragile primary sources. This is also a cost-saving and efficiency issue as funds and time available for archival research is limited. Tropy was developed to help researchers organize digital photos and keep them linked to relevant projects. Visit the link below to learn more.
Sourcery
Sourcery was developed as a community-sourced app where researchers who may not be able to travel to an archive can request digital photos or scans from those who are able to be in the collections. This app helps increase accessibility to archival collections.
Additional resources
Still looking for a research tool or research assistance? Visit or contact our Performing Arts & Humanities librarian Mandi Goodsett: https://library.csuohio.edu/services/librarians.html
