Types of Publications

PRIMARY LITERATURE

Original research and/or new scientific discoveries. Immediate results of research activities. Often includes analysis of data collected in the field or laboratory.

Characteristics:

First-hand observations, contemporary accounts of events, viewpoints at the time.

Examples:

Original research published as articles in peer-reviewed journals

Dissertations

Technical reports

Conference proceedings

Newspaper articles written at the time

SECONDARY LITERATURE

Summarizes and synthesizes primary literature. Usually broader and less current than primary literature.

Characteristics:

Interpretations of information, written after the event, offer review or critique.

Examples:

Literature review articles

Books

Commentaries

Editorials

Literary criticisms

Since most information sources in the secondary literature contain extensive bibliographies, they can be useful for finding more information on a topic.

TERTIARY LITERATURE

Summaries or condensed versions of materials. Usually with references to primary or secondary sources. Good place to look up facts or get a general overview of a subject.

Characteristics:

Collections or lists of primary and secondary sources, reference works, finding tools for sources.

Examples:

Textbooks

Dictionaries

Encyclopedias

Handbooks

Abstracts

Indexes

Literary catalogs

Source: LibGuides at Ohio Northern University and LibGuides at Western Oregon University