Primary and Secondary Sources

 
There are three types of sources used in research, particularly historical research:  primary, secondary and "finding."
 

Primary Sources

A primary source is a document or other sort of evidence written or created during the time under study.  Primary sources offer an inside view of a particular event.  Some types of primary sources include:

• Original documents (excerpts or translations are acceptable), e.g., diaries, speeches, letters, minutes, interviews, news film footage, autobiographies, official records.
• Creative works, e.g., poetry, drama, movels, music, art.
• Relics or artifacts, e.g., jewelry, potery, furniture, clothing, buildings.

Examples of primary sources include:

• The Diary of Anne Frank -- experiences of Jews in World Woar II
• The Declaration of Independence -- U. S. history
• The Bible -- Hebrew customs in Bible times
• Plato's Republic -- Women in ancient Greece

 

Secondary Sources

A secondary source interprets and analyzes primary sources.  Secondary sources are one step removed from the event.  Some types of secondary sources are:

• a book about the effects of World War I
• a journal article which interprets a scholar's contribution in a field

 

"Finding" Sources

"Finding," or access tools lead to primary or secondary sources.  For example, the library's online catalog will find works by Aristotle (primary source) or works about him (secondary source).  Some other types of finding sources include periodical indexes and bibliographies.  In addition to sources or documents, try correspondence, trials, diaries, and personal narratives.
 

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