Library FAQ

Visit the subject guide associated with your course or research topic. Each guide includes a Primary Sources tab, which comprises library databases and a selection of librarian-selected websites for finding primary sources in the different subject areas as well as information to help you understand what makes a source a primary source.

These guides from our Research Skills Tutorial will also help: 

• Understanding Information Sources - Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary
• Primary Sources: Making Sense of Evidence

If you are looking for primary research articles, also known as original research or empirical research articles, you can find these by using the advanced search in databases appropriate to your research area, and selecting research methodology options indicating empirical research. Then run your keyword search with those selections checked.