The Basics

Primary and Secondary Sources

Primary sources are original, uninterpreted information.

Unedited, firsthand access to words, images, or objects created by persons directly involved in an activity or event or speaking directly for a group, as well as published accounts from the time of the event or activity. This is information before it has been thoroughly analyzed, interpreted, commented upon, spun, or repackaged. Depending upon the context, these may include paintings, diaries, interviews, newspaper accounts, works of fiction, research reports, sales receipts, speeches, letters, e-mails, and others.

Think of physical evidence or eyewitness testimony in a court trial.

Secondary sources interpret, analyze or summarize.

Commentary upon, or analysis of, events, ideas, or primary sources. Because they are often written significantly after events by parties not directly involved but who have special expertise, they may provide historical context or critical perspectives.

Think of a lawyer's final summation or jury discussion in a court trial.

Each academic discipline has a slightly different definition of what constitutes a primary or secondary source. When in doubt, discuss the source with your professor or a librarian.