This guide is a starting point for finding primary source documents in the Humanities. The pages in this guide are organized by geographic region or by topic.
If you need help, please contact Baharak Yousefi, Liaison Librarian at or byousefi@sfu.ca or Ask a librarian.
What is a primary source?
A primary source is a document or other sort of evidence written or created during the time under study, or by one of the persons or organizations directly involved in the event. Primary sources offer an inside view of a particular event.
Types of primary sources
- Original documents (excerpts or translations are acceptable):
- diaries, speeches, letters, minutes, interviews, news film footage, autobiographies, official records.
- Creative works:
- poetry, drama, novels, music, art, films.
- Relics or artifacts:
- jewelry, pottery, furniture, clothing, buildings, tools.
Examples of primary sources
Citing primary sources
For APA style, see the APA citation guide and look for the resource type you are citing.
For Chicago style, see the Citing primary sources: Chicago/Turabian citation guide and look for the resource type you are citing.
For MLA style, see the MLA citation guide and look for the resource type you are citing.