How to find primary sources

Searching the library catalogue

Good for many topics and disciplines – the Sofia Discovery tool (the library catalogue) includes: correspondence, diaries, film, journals, pamphlets, print newspapers, novels, standards, treatises, and similar items.

These types of primary sources are often subject subheadings in the catalogue. Try searching with your topic keywords and one of those material-type subheadings also as a keyword. For example, search “john locke AND correspondence” for John Locke’s letters, or try “women AND diaries” to find the personal diaries of various women.

For more information on searching the library catalogue for primary sources, see the Primary Sources Guide for History.