Primary Sources
A primary source is a document or physical object which was written or created during the time under study. These sources were present during an experience or time period and offer an inside view of a particular event. Some types of primary sources include:
- ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS (excerpts or translations acceptable): Diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, interviews, news film footage, autobiographies, official records, building plans
- CREATIVE WORKS: Poetry, drama, novels, music, art
- RELICS OR ARTIFACTS: Pottery, furniture, clothing, buildings
Examples of primary sources include:
- Diary of Anne Frank - Experiences of a Jewish family during WWII
- The Constitution of Canada - Canadian History
- A journal article reporting NEW research or findings
- Building plans for the construction of the Sears Tower
- Plato’s Republic - Women in Ancient Greece
A secondary source interprets and analyzes primary sources. These sources are one or more steps removed from the event. Secondary sources may have pictures, quotes or graphics of primary sources in them. Some types of secondary sources include:
- PUBLICATIONS: Textbooks, magazine articles, histories, criticisms, commentaries, encyclopedias
Examples of secondary sources include:
- A journal/magazine article which interprets or reviews previous findings
- A history textbook
- A book about the Taj Mahal
Prepared by Carey Beam & Cynthia Smith, with special thanks to Lou Malcomb and Kristina Keogh
- ArchiveGrid Provides access to online findings aids, detailed collection guides or inventories describing where to find an archival collection, how it's arranged, and what it contains.
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- Digital Sanborn Maps, 1867–1970 Access to Sanborn maps for all fifty states, large-scale plans containing data that can help estimate the potential risk for urban structures.
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- NewspaperARCHIVE Digital access to more than 1000 historical newspapers from communities within Indiana.
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- World Newspaper Archive A collection of historical newspapers from around the globe.
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1. Choose a relevant database or digital collection to search.
2. Enter relevant keywords.
3. If possible, limit search by publication date and format (e.g., book reviews, photographs).
(Many databases have this option.)
4. Consult a librarian for recommended databases and resources.
Web Resources:
- Using Primary Sources on the WebFrom RUSA/American Library Association