Information Literacy

What is a primary source?

According to the Library of Congress, "[p]rimary sources are the raw materials of history--original documents that were created at the time under study." They are historical accounts or records that reflect the creator's direct experience with an event.  Some examples of primary sources include:

• Original documents (excerpts or translations acceptable): Diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, interviews, autobiographies, official records 
• Creative works: Poetry, drama, novels, music, art 
• Relics or artifacts: Pottery, furniture, clothing, buildings
• News accounts: Newspapers, news websites, and filmed footage
• Peer reviewed original research

What is a secondary source?

Secondary sources were created by people who did not experience the events first-hand. The authors or creators are analyzing or interpreting primary sources. Secondary sources include: textbooks, journal articles, histories, criticisms, commentaries, and encyclopedias. Examples of secondary sources:

• A journal/magazine article which interprets or reviews previous findings 
• A history textbook 
• A book about the effects of WWI