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Research Guides

Government Documents as Primary Sources

 Sample government documents

Governments produce a wide array of documents ranging from Congressional or Parliamentary debates and reports, census data, agency or departmental papers to brochures, maps and posters. As primary sources these official governmental publications provide insight into all aspects of history from social issues to politics, from cultural mores to scientific endeavor.

Help: Unpacking Evidence: Official Documents

Finding American Government Documents

Most government material is housed in the Government Publications section on the ground floor of Suzzallo Library. Librarians there can help you find material you need.

Most printed American government documents can be found by using UW Libraries Search. Additional collections of digitized government documents can be found on the American history research guide.

Finding Foreign & International Government Documents

Most government material is housed in the Government Publications section on the ground floor of Suzzallo Library. Librarians there can help you find material you need. Additional collections of digitized government documents can be found on within the research guides for various regions and topics.