What are some ways I can find primary sources?

Listed below are some strategies and resources, as well as some tips, to use when looking for primary materials. Please see the short movies below, which show you searching tips within each type of resource.

• Search EUCLID, the Library Catalog, using a primary source format word such as letters, diaries, manuscripts, etc. EXAMPLE: Sylvia Plath and diaries

Demo Search in EUCLID (w/ audio)

• Search a discipline-specific research database (found at Databases@Emory) to find scientific research articles. For example, BIOSIS Previews contains citations to articles that report on research conducted in the biological sciences.

Demo Search in BIOSIS Previews (w/ audio)

• Search a database devoted to archives (e.g., historical newspapers). To find databases devoted to archives, you can go to Databases@Emory, select "Archives & Primary Sources" in the second drop-down box, and click "GO."

Demo Search in ProQuest Historical Newspapers (w/ audio)

Other Tips:

• Doing preliminary reading in a specialized encyclopedia to help identify key names, events, or terminology.
• Locating primary source references in the footnotes and bibliographies of secondary source books and articles. An author might also mention useful primary source material in a book's preface or acknowledgments.
• Searching RLIN, WorldCat, or the Center for Research Libraries catalog, which are catalogs that contain the holdings of many national and even in some cases, international libraries.
• Consulting a library subject specialist.