Archival and primary sources

Archival sources

The AMA Manual of Style does not provide specific advice for archival material. It does, however, refer to items in 'special collections' (s.3.13.5). The guidance provided here is based on that advice.

Reference list example

1. Barrett, J.W. Consolidated Papers of James William Barrett . 1883-1946; UMA-ACE-19690015. Located at: University of Melbourne Archives, Melbourne, Australia.

Primary sources

What are primary sources?

Primary sources are original sources of information that were produced during the time period being studied or researched. This may include direct, first hand accounts by people who were connected to the events, or manuscripts and other works that were a direct product of the time and reflect or report contemporaneous events.

Primary sources include:

• Books
• Journal articles
• Newspapers
• Classical sources
• Archival material (see above)