In 2015 Pam Baragwanath and Ken James published These Walls Speak Volumes: a history of mechanics' institutes in Victoria. The book contained close to 1000 short detailed histories of mechanics' institutes. This follow-up publication brings together primary sources relating to mechanics' institutes which Pam and Ken used in their research. The purpose of this research guide is to facilitate research into mechanics' institutes, school of arts, free libraries, public libraries etc., and to hopefully stimulate and encourage the collection and publication of similar resources in other Australian states so that the considerable institute legacy can be more fully understood and evaluated nationally. Includes bibliographical references.