A primary source is a record of an event, an occurrence, or a time period produced by a participant or observer at the time. Typically, primary sources include:

• unique documents or manuscripts (letters, diaries, journals, writings, speeches, photographs, scrapbooks, etc.)
• historic records of an organization (correspondence, memoranda, minutes, annual reports, etc.).
• government documents & maps
• artwork & artifacts
• music & audiovisual materials (film, audio and video tape)
• electronic computer files

Below you will find a list of databases that include examples of primary sources that may be relevant to the study of English: