sourcebooks

Sourcebooks are collections designed to provide direct access to source materials on a given topic. They are used across disciplines to gather primary sources, critical documents, data, or reference material in one place.

Contents typically include a curated selection of documents, bibliographies, notes on provenance, context essays, translations, and indexes. Annotations help explain significance and provide guidance for researchers. Many sourcebooks include metadata, glossaries, and appendices, and digital editions offer full-text search and linked data.

Uses of sourcebooks include supporting research and teaching by enabling direct study of original materials without needing to locate disparate sources; supporting policy analysis and comparative studies; serving archival and preservation roles; and enabling data-driven research in fields such as statistics, economics, or social sciences. In computing or gaming, sourcebooks can be supplementary volumes that expand lore, rules, or technical background.

Types of sourcebooks span several domains. Legal sourcebooks compile statutes, regulations, and case law. Academic sourcebooks gather primary documents in a field along with scholarly commentary. Data sourcebooks assemble statistical datasets and methodological notes. Art and music sourcebooks may collect scores, manifestos, letters, or other primary artifacts. Gaming sourcebooks expand a game's world, rules, or equipment. Electronic sourcebooks are often searchable databases or digital libraries that enhance accessibility and analysis.