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Whatever the case, I have always found these institutions invaluable. Not only can they assist in locating primary sources dealing with local history but they can also help take larger themes of history and give them a local signifi- cance. Local census records, maps, letters, and photographs can take a histori- cally national event and make it personal because it impacted people who lived long ago in our cities, towns, neighborhoods, or communities. School Families: Like local institutions, items held as treasures in the homes of school families can give students a personal connection to events that happened years ago. While families may not want treasured keepsakes handled by young children, sharing them digitally with students is a way to provide new value to items that may normally be seen by just a few or hidden in an old shoebox or photo album. Preparing to Use Primary Sources and This Book When I prepare to bring primary sources into my library, I think about three things to make the student experience a successful one. One aspect is the analysis strat- egy that students are going to use. How are they going to interact with the source? An Introduction to Primary Sources | 9 Students can see the original primary source at local institutions.