What are Secondary Sources?
Secondary sources are materials that interpret, analyze, describe, or explain primary sources. Textbooks, encyclopedias, biographies, and journal articles are examples of secondary sources. These sources are "secondary" in that usually they are one step removed from the event about which they comment or analyze. Use catalogs and databases to find secondary source books and articles. These sources will build your background knowledge about your topic. Use them to inform yourself about what scholar's say about your topic.
What are Primary Sources?
Primary sources are materials produced by participants or observers at the time of an event or during a particular span of years. They are "original" in that the recording of the event or experience originates with the participants or direct observers. Some examples of primary sources are:
- Diaries, journals, memoirs, letters, autobiographies
- Official documents or records from government or private organizations (minutes, reports, etc.)
- Books, magazines, and newspapers produced at the time of the event
- Court decisions, transcripts, and other legal papers
- Research data (reports, market surveys, public opinion polls, statistics)
- Films, photographs, paintings, video recordings
- Novels, poetry, and plays
Last Update: 09 Dec 12:59 | Tagged with: Ethnic Studies History History of Science Primary Sources Secondary Sources Microfilm Microfiche Historical Newspapers Historical Magazines OSU Archives Special Collections Archives Archival
