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Objective
After completing this section, you will be able to navigate and utilize online resources to fulfill your information needs. You will also be able to discern between different types of information sources pertaining to history.
When engaging in historical research, you may gather information from a variety of sources. Some of those sources may be primary sources and others may be secondary sources. Knowing the difference can help you find the most appropriate source for your research.
Primary Sources
Primary sources come in a variety of forms but they have common characteristics.
They're an original work that can give insight into a person of interest, a particular event, an object or work of art, or a phenomenon.
They originate from the time period being discussed, either during or shortly afterwards.
They present information in its original form: it has not been interpreted or modified by others.
Some examples include diaries, letters, recordings, photographs, newspapers, government documents such as treaties, and more.
Secondary Sources
Secondary sources are created from the use of primary sources and can take many forms. They often have the following characteristics.
They interpret, analyze, or explain primary sources
They were created outside the original time frame of the primary source
Sometimes, not always, the creator was not involved with the primary source
Some examples include encyclopedias, biographies, books written by historians, etc.
Films based on historical events, such as Apollo 13 (1995), can be secondary sources!
Think About It
When do you think you want to use a primary source versus a secondary source and why?
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