Primary vs. Secondary Sources

An "original" or 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 record

• 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 the United States - American history
• A journal article reporting new research or findings
• Weavings and pottery - Native American history
• Plato's Republic - Women in Ancient Greece

Information courtesy of Princeton University Libraries - https://www.princeton.edu/~refdesk/primary2.html (page no longer exists as of 5/2/17).