Types of Sources

A primary source is an original document/image, the results of an experiment, statistical data, first-hand account, or creative work.  A secondary source is something written about or using primary sources.  A teritary source is a collection of primary and secondary sources. 

Examples of primary resources include:

• diaries, correspondence, ships' logs

• original documents e.g. birth certificates, trial transcripts

• biographies, autobiographies, manuscripts

• interviews, speeches, oral histories

• case law, legislation, regulations, constitutions

Examples of Tertiary Sources: 

• dictionaries/encyclopedias (may also be secondary)

• almanacs

• fact books

• wikipedia

• bibliographies (may also be secondary)

• directories

• guidebooks

• manuals

• handbooks and textbooks (may be secondary)