If you are not familiar with Jacques Barzun, today is your lucky day. Read this short Wikipedia article on him. He is amazing! He died last October (2012) at the age of 104! Here is a link to a conversation with Professor Barzun on writing history.The emcee mentions The Modern Researcher in the introduction.For a current biography see Jacques Barzun: Portrait of a Mind (2011).
Up until now, you have been, for the most part, consumers of history. To evolve from a consumer to a producer of history, one needs to learn the craft, the methods of researching and writing history. In this class you are going to learn about some of the tools scholars and students have used for decades to access the historical information. Some of this information is primary, some is secondary and some might be tertiary. Keep in mind that this is only an introduction. Like anything, you learn to the degree that you are willing to ask the tough questions and keep digging. Also, all of the librarians are dedicated to helping you get the most out of your education. We encourage you to ask for help when you are frustrated or stumped. And, if we can't help, we will refer you to people who perhaps can. Good luck.