chat loading...
Skip to Main Content

Do Research Remotely

How do I find primary sources in library databases and online collections?

Most of the resources collected here allow you to search by keyword or browse in ways that reflect sources' original format. Be sure to check out the Primary Sources research guide for more context and tips. On this page you'll find:

  • Digitized collections of primary sources — These collections are usually organized around a common theme or topic
  • Government Documents — Collections of government documents
  • Historical Newspapers and Periodicals — Organized by geography, subject, or social identities of publishers and readers
  • Tips for finding primary sources on the Internet

Major Collections

Major Collections of Primary Sources

For more primary source collections, check out the research guides by subject.

Collections organized by geographic region

Historical Newspapers

These databases have collections of newspapers published generally pre-1990, often digitized from print or microfilm. They are searchable, but be aware that the results won't be as accurate as born-digital newspapers.

Historical Periodicals

U.S. Government Documents