First Nations Australia Subject Guide

Why use primary sources?

Primary sources are original sources of information including first hand accounts, photos, interview, data, research, artwork, literature or poems. 

Primary sources can be found in secondary sources, such as books and articles as well as databases, archives and museums.

Find primary sources within secondary sources

To find primary sources held in books or articles:

1. Go to Library advanced search.
2. Enter your chosen keywords.
3. Choose + Add a new line.
4. In the new search line, change Any field to Subject.
5. Add sources as the keyword in the new search line.

Find primary sources in databases

The Early Experiences in Australasia: Primary Sources and Personal Narratives database hold letters, diaries and other primary source materials.

Find primary sources in archives and museums

See this list of National collections to explore online collections held in Australian archives and museums.

These collections can be searched with keywords and search results can be refined using filter menus similar to Library Search.