How to Find Primary Sources in the Library Catalog
A primary source is an original document or first-hand testimony of an event. The closer a source is to the original events, the more likely that it can be considered a primary source. If you're not sure if a source is primary or secondary, contact your librarian for help.
Search Method 1: Subject Searching
The links below will use the library catalog's subject search to locate primary source materials in general, as well as secondary sources about primary sources.
This is not a comprehensive list. The results screens of the searches above will show "Related Subjects," which may be worth exploring, too. Some of these terms may also be worth trying in Method #2, below.
Search Method 2: Advanced Keyword Searching
This method allows you to tailor a search for primary source materials that relate to any topic of your choosing. Use the Advanced Search feature and combine one of the keywords below with terms relating to your topic. You may need to try several combinations to get the results you want.
archives
bibliographies
case studies
correspondence
diaries
documentary photography
early works to 1800*
interviews
manuscripts
notebooks
pamphlets
personal narratives
records
sources
statistics
*Can be used to find reprints of older material that limiting by publication date might not find.
Search Method 3: Explore Specialized Databases
Many primary sources are held in curated collections accessible through highly specialized databases. You can find non-exhaustive lists of databases cover primary sources from North America and Great Britian using the navigation menu on the left side of this guide.