Primary vs. Secondary Sources

Primary and Secondary Sources

Source Type	Examples
Primary A primary source is a first person account by someone who experienced or witnessed an event. This original document has not been previously published or interpreted by anyone else.	First person account of an event First publication of a scientific study Speech or lecture Original artwork Novel (fiction) or film Handwritten manuscript Letters between two or more people A diary Historical documents, e.g. Bill of Rights
Secondary A secondary source is one step removed from the primary original source. The author is reexamining, interpreting and forming conclusions based on the information that is conveyed in the primary source.	Journal article reporting on a scientific study Newspaper and Magazine articles Review of a music CD or art show Book review Critique of a work of fiction or film Biography
Tertiary A tertiary source is further removed from primary source. It leads the researcher to a secondary source, rather than to the primary source.	Indexes and Bibliography Encyclopedias and Dictionaries Library catalog Most textbooks Guidebooks