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History - Primary Resources
Collections of historic books, newpapers and periodicals in Michener Library.
Welcome to the Primary Sources Research Guide! Here you will find information on what primary sources are, how to find primary sources, and how to use them.
Definition of Primary Sources
Primary sources provide direct evidence about events, phenomena, or a person’s thoughts or actions. They are often created at the time an event occurred or sometimes by someone who can provide firsthand knowledge about an event or subject. Examples of primary sources are letters, diaries, photographs, and artwork.
Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sources
Primary
Secondary
Tertiary
Definition
Original documents created or experienced concurrently with the event being researched and firsthand accounts
Works that analyze, assess, or interpret a historical event, era, or phenomenon.
Sources that identify, locate, and synthesize primary AND secondary sources
Characteristics
Firsthand observations, contemporary accounts of the event. Viewpoint of the time
Interpretation of information, usually written well after an event. Offers reviews or critiques
Reference works, collections of lists of primary and secondary sources, finding tools for sources
Examples
Interviews, news footage, data sets, original research, speeches, diaries, letters, creative works, photographs
Research studies, literary criticism, book reviews, journal articles, biographies, textbooks