Don't be intimidated if your assignment requires primary sources!

This guide is intended to help students understand, find and evaluate primary sources that serve as evidence in answering a research question, proving or disproving a fact, or developing an argument.

This guide links to dozens of free primary source digital collections on the web, as well as Seattle University subscription based collections. 

Disciplines, or fields of study, have specific views on the types of sources that are primary evidence. While research topics are interdisciplinary, students learning how to appropriately incorporate primary sources into their projects will do so within a disciplinary area.

Image Credits (in order of appearance) 

Unknown. Victorious Youth. 300-100 B.C. The J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, CA. The Getty. Web. 7 Feb. 2014.

Kim, Eugene, and Philip K. Hopke. "Source Characterization of Ambient Fine Particles in the Los Angeles Basin." Journal of Environmental Engineering and Science 6.4 (2007): 343-53 ProQuest. Web. 7 Feb. 2014.

Mathat, Asa. Warren Buffett of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and Interviewer Carol Loomis of Fortune. Photograph Flickr. Fortune Live Media, 4 Oct. 2011. Web. 7 Feb. 2014.

No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Pub. L. 107-110. 115 Stat. 1425. 08 Jan. 2002 Web. 7 Feb. 2014.

McQueen, Alexander. Ensemble, Widows of Culloden. autumn/winter 2006-7. Dress of McQueen wool tartan; top of nude silk net appliquéd with black lace; underskirt of cream silk tulle. Courtesy of Alexander McQueen. Photograph. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Web. 7 Feb. 2014.

Used with permission:Alexander Justice, Librarian; Loyola Marymount University- Hannon Library. Primary Sources