A primary source is direct evidence or firsthand testimony of an event or time period.
Primary sources don't have to be handwritten. See the chart below for types of primary sources and ideas about where to find them. Also check out our Primary Sources Research Guide.
| Type: |
Try: |
What to do next: |
|
Letters
|
U.S. History or
World History
|
Above the main search box, select "Primary Sources."
Bonus: In Advanced Search, select Document Type: "Correspondence" and/or "Letter."
|
| Manuscripts |
NYPL Digital Gallery |
Browse images in "Arts and Literature" or "History and Geography" to find manuscripts. |
|
Journals/
Diaries
|
U.S. History or
World History
|
Above the main search box, select "Primary Sources."
Bonus: In Advanced Search, select Document Type: "Diary Entry."
|
|
Newspapers/
Magazines
|
ProQuest Research Library |
In Advanced Search, select Source Type: "Newspapers." |
| Speeches |
Academic Search Complete |
In Advanced Search, select Document Type: "Speech." |
| Interviews |
Internet search or word-of-mouth |
Speak with your professor to find ideas of experts in the field of your research who might be willing to speak with you. |
| Memoirs |
Library catalog |
Search "Memoir." |
| Photographs |
AP Images |
Browse photos on the main page, or use the search box. |
|
Audio
|
Opposing Viewpoints |
Select Document Type: "Podcast." |
| Video |
Library catalog |
Under the "Material Type" dropdown choose "Audio Visual". |
| Data |
Academic Search Complete |
In Advanced Search: under Image Quick View Types," select "Graph, Chart, or Diagram."
|
|
Objects/
Artifacts
|
Visit local museums or check museum web sites
|
The Smithsonian, National Archives, Holocaust Museum |