autobiography is primary or secondary source

Primary vs. Secondary Sources: Primary vs. Secondary Sources

Primary sources.

Primary sources are materials that are eyewitness accounts or as close to the original source as possible.

Qualitative data:

• What people say. They are usually Speeches , Interviews and Conversations, and they may be captured in Videos, Audio Recordings, or transcribed into text.
• What people write.  These include Autobiographies, Memoirs, Personal Journals and Diaries, Letters, Emails, Blogs, Twitter Feeds and other forms of Social Media.
• Images and Videos.
• Government Documents-- U.S . and rest of the world.
• Laws, Court Cases and Decisions, Treaties.
• Newspapers.

Quantitative data:

• Statistics and Data .
• Polls and Public Opinions .

Please note that a book is simply a format.  You can find both primary and secondary sources published in book form.

Secondary Sources

Secondary sources are interpretations and analyses based on primary sources.

For example, an autobiography is a primary source while a biography is a secondary source.

Typical secondary sources include:

• Scholarly Journal Articles.  Use these and books exclusively for writing Literature Reviews.
• Encyclopedias.
• Dictionaries.
• Documentaries.

Please note that a book is simply a format.  You can find primary and secondary sources published in book form.

When Secondary Sources Become Primary Sources

Often secondary and primary sources are relative concepts.  Typical secondary sources may be primary sources depending on the research topic.

• Intellectual history topics. For example, although scholarly journal articles are usually considered secondary sources, if one's topic is the history of human rights, then journal articles on human rights will be primary sources in this instance.  Similarly, research on the thinking of a scholar will include her published journal articles as primary sources.  
• Historical topics. Magazine articles are secondary sources, but for someone researching the view of judicial punishment in the 1920s, magazines from that time period are primary sources.  Indeed, any older publication, such as those prior to the 20th century, is very often automatically considered a primary source.  
• Newspapers may be either primary or secondary. Most articles in newspapers are secondary, but reporters may be considered as witnesses to an event.  Any topic on the media coverage of an event or phenomenon would treat newspapers as a primary source.  There are so many articles and types of articles in newspapers that newspapers can often be considered either primary or secondary.
• Last Updated: Aug 11, 2023 3:44 PM
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Is a Biography a Primary Source? Details Every Author Should Know

POSTED ON Oct 1, 2023

Written by Shannon Clark

Is a biography a primary source? Good question.

When writing for an audience, adding relevant quotes, excerpts, and data provides credibility to your work. Primary sources reign supreme because information that comes from the original source leaves little room for error. In our digital age, where so much information is repeated from website to website, it's easy for data to be mistyped, quotes to be misattributed, and information to just be wrong.

It's similar to the group game, Telephone, that kids play. One person starts the game by whispering a phrase into the person's ear next to them. The phrase is repeated until it gets to the last person who says the phrase out loud to see if the message changed. When I played it as a little girl, the phrase hardly ever came out like the original. We run the same risk when we copy statistics or information from random websites that aren't the primary or original source.

In the first half of this article, we'll answer the question, “Is a biography a primary source?” define what the answer means, and then take a closer look at why biographies are categorized as such. In the second part, we’ll look at what to consider before writing one.

Table of Contents

Is a biography a primary source.

The short answer is no. In most cases, a biography is considered a secondary source; however, there’s a little more to it than that.

A primary source is a first-person account (e.g., direct quote, diary entry) or the original source of information (e.g., a research organization that creates original data for an industry.).

A secondary source is a third-party account where the person or company sharing the information, got it from somewhere else. As I mentioned in the Telephone example, the problem with secondary sources is that since they aren't the first hands to touch the information, there's no guarantee that it's correct. Primary sources aren't always available, but if you have a choice between the two, do the extra research to find the primary source. It will pay off in the long run.

A biography is a third-person account of another person’s life written by a biographer whose name appears on the cover. The subject of the biography can be living or deceased and the work can be authorized or unauthorized. For these reasons, biographies are classified as secondary sources. 

Related: Biography vs Memoir

The rare occasion when a biography can be used as a primary source is when the biographer is the subject of the content being written.

For example, if one were to write an article that analyzed the works of the American biographer Jean Strouse, her best biographies , Alice James: A Biography or Morgan: American Financier would be considered primary sources.

The source status of her biographies changes from secondary to primary because it is her writing that's being analyzed not the personal knowledge of what she wrote (unless that was part of the review).

What’s the Difference Between an Authorized and an Unauthorized Biography? 

With an authorized biography, the subject of the work is either involved in the writing process or they’ve given permission for the biographer to write the book. The biographer works with the person to ensure that the information included is correct and approved. This can include talking to close family members and friends to get a more well-rounded, objective view of the person's life.

Unauthorized biographies are not approved by the subject. Anyone can write an unauthorized biography about anyone they’d like. You don’t need permission, and the final book doesn’t have to be approved to be published; however, unauthorized biographies can be seen as less reliable than approved ones. Content presented as fact may come into question exposing the work to libel, invasion of privacy claims, and other legal issues. To be clear, biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs can all be vulnerable to legal claims, so tread lightly when writing them. 

According to the Writer’s GPS: A guide for navigating the legal landscape of publishing by intellectual property attorney Matt Knight, securing life story rights is key to protecting yourself and your book from legal claims. Regarding life story rights, he says the following:

Life story rights are a collection of legal rights held by an individual regarding a story about someone's life. The purpose for securing these rights or the permission to use the facts of someone's life is to protect the writer and publisher from being sued for defamation, invasion of privacy, or the misappropriation of the right to publicity. Life story rights agreements, depending on the breadth of the contract language, allows the writer to use and potentially change or dramatize the life story for entertainment purposes (whether in print or on screen). Knight, M. (2020). The Writer’s Legal GPS: A Guide for Navigating the Legal Landscape of Publishing (A Sidebar Saturdays Desktop Reference) . Sidebar Saturdays Desk Referen.

If you're considering writing a biography (authorized or unauthorized), it's important to understand potential liability issues and how they can impact you as the writer.

It's interesting that for every authorized biography, it is not uncommon to find many unauthorized ones. For actress Elizabeth Taylor, the book on the left (below) was released in December 2022 and listed as “ the first ever authorized biography of the most famous movie star of the twentieth century, Elizabeth Taylor “; however, I found many biographies listed for her over the years (I stopped counting at 20).

Is it Possible to Write a Biography about Yourself? 

No. If you write a biography about yourself it is called an autobiography (different from a memoir). If you get a ghostwriter to write it, it is still an autobiography. Autobiographies are primary sources because they are first-hand accounts based on the subjects' memories and recall of past experiences. 

Unlike a biography, the subject of the autobiography is viewed as the author , whether they wrote it or used a ghostwriter . Autobiographies are considered subjective compared to biographies since they are a single person's account of events (not friends, family, or other third-party references like with a biography.)

How do You Write a Biography About Someone Who Has Passed?

As previously mentioned, if you can get permission to write the biography, do so. If the person is deceased, look for a representative, like a family member, or an executor of their estate. It’s important to share with them your plan for writing the person’s life story and hopefully get the green light to move forward. Getting approval can open the door to accessing archives and other personal details about the person to create a more in-depth work. This can include personal photos, diaries, and other information. Compare this to an unauthorized biography where you may only have access to what has already been talked about or uncovered. 

If the person passed a long time ago, getting permission might be a challenge, but you can still write the biography. Just do your research, save your notes, and try to write a biography that is thorough, objective, and professional. Prioritize primary sources over secondary and cite all of your sources to add credibility. It may be tempting to try to rush through the process, especially when you've been staring at the same information day after day, but doing a thorough job can pay big dividends.

In the writing of the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography American Prometheus: The Triumph and Trajedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer , it took author, Martin J. Sherwin, 25 years to complete the work. The first 20 years were spent doing interviews and collecting over fifty boxes of archives (some received through the Freedom of Information Act). The last five years he partnered with author Kai Bird to complete the work . While it doesn't take every biographer that long to write a biography, it does add a weighty perspective to what writing an in-depth book about someone's life could entail.

Whether you write an authorized or unauthorized biography, the quality and objectivity of your writing are what matter most. Although biographies are considered secondary sources, it doesn’t mean that they can’t make a significant contribution to the tapestry of a person’s public life record. 

Seek out the permission of the person you want to write about if they are living or their family or representative if they are incapacitated or deceased. People’s life stories are personal, so the best advice from one writer to another is to write their stories with the same respect you’d want someone to write yours. This will add a strong entry to your book portfolio, save you a lot of headaches in the long run, and help keep you out of a courtroom.

Note: In this article, we touched on nonfiction life stories, but there are also biographical novels (fictitious) and autobiographical fiction that are not within the scope of this article. For more information on creative nonfiction, start here . 

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• Primary vs. Secondary Sources | Difference & Examples

Primary vs. Secondary Sources | Difference & Examples

Published on 4 September 2022 by Raimo Streefkerk . Revised on 15 May 2023.

When you do research, you have to gather information and evidence from a variety of sources.

Primary sources provide raw information and first-hand evidence. Examples include interview transcripts, statistical data, and works of art. A primary source gives you direct access to the subject of your research.

Secondary sources provide second-hand information and commentary from other researchers. Examples include journal articles, reviews, and academic books . A secondary source describes, interprets, or synthesises primary sources.

Primary sources are more credible as evidence, but good research uses both primary and secondary sources.

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Table of contents

What is a primary source, what is a secondary source, primary and secondary source examples, how to tell if a source is primary or secondary, primary vs secondary sources: which is better, frequently asked questions about primary and secondary sources.

A primary source is anything that gives you direct evidence about the people, events, or phenomena that you are researching. Primary sources will usually be the main objects of your analysis.

If you are researching the past, you cannot directly access it yourself, so you need primary sources that were produced at the time by participants or witnesses (e.g. letters, photographs, newspapers ).

If you are researching something current, your primary sources can either be qualitative or quantitative data that you collect yourself (e.g. through interviews, surveys, experiments) or sources produced by people directly involved in the topic (e.g. official documents or media texts).

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A secondary source is anything that describes, interprets, evaluates, or analyses information from primary sources. Common examples include:

• Books , articles and documentaries that synthesise information on a topic
• Synopses and descriptions of artistic works
• Encyclopaedias and textbooks that summarize information and ideas
• Reviews and essays that evaluate or interpret something

When you cite a secondary source, it’s usually not to analyse it directly. Instead, you’ll probably test its arguments against new evidence or use its ideas to help formulate your own.

Examples of sources that can be primary or secondary

A secondary source can become a primary source depending on your research question . If the person, context, or technique that produced the source is the main focus of your research, it becomes a primary source.

To determine if something can be used as a primary or secondary source in your research, there are some simple questions you can ask yourself:

• Does this source come from someone directly involved in the events I’m studying (primary) or from another researcher (secondary)?
• Am I interested in analysing the source itself (primary) or only using it for background information (secondary)?
• Does the source provide original information (primary) or does it comment upon information from other sources (secondary)?

Most research uses both primary and secondary sources. They complement each other to help you build a convincing argument. Primary sources are more credible as evidence, but secondary sources show how your work relates to existing research.

What do you use primary sources for?

Primary sources are the foundation of original research. They allow you to:

• Make new discoveries
• Provide credible evidence for your arguments
• Give authoritative information about your topic

If you don’t use any primary sources, your research may be considered unoriginal or unreliable.

What do you use secondary sources for?

Secondary sources are good for gaining a full overview of your topic and understanding how other researchers have approached it. They often synthesise a large number of primary sources that would be difficult and time-consuming to gather by yourself. They allow you to:

• Gain background information on the topic
• Support or contrast your arguments with other researchers’ ideas
• Gather information from primary sources that you can’t access directly (e.g. private letters or physical documents located elsewhere)

When you conduct a literature review , you can consult secondary sources to gain a thorough overview of your topic. If you want to mention a paper or study that you find cited in a secondary source, seek out the original source and cite it directly.

Remember that all primary and secondary sources must be cited to avoid plagiarism . You can use Scribbr’s free citation generator to do so!

Common examples of primary sources include interview transcripts , photographs, novels, paintings, films, historical documents, and official statistics.

Anything you directly analyze or use as first-hand evidence can be a primary source, including qualitative or quantitative data that you collected yourself.

Common examples of secondary sources include academic books, journal articles , reviews, essays , and textbooks.

Anything that summarizes, evaluates or interprets primary sources can be a secondary source. If a source gives you an overview of background information or presents another researcher’s ideas on your topic, it is probably a secondary source.

To determine if a source is primary or secondary, ask yourself:

• Was the source created by someone directly involved in the events you’re studying (primary), or by another researcher (secondary)?
• Does the source provide original information (primary), or does it summarize information from other sources (secondary)?
• Are you directly analyzing the source itself (primary), or only using it for background information (secondary)?

Some types of sources are nearly always primary: works of art and literature, raw statistical data, official documents and records, and personal communications (e.g. letters, interviews ). If you use one of these in your research, it is probably a primary source.

Primary sources are often considered the most credible in terms of providing evidence for your argument, as they give you direct evidence of what you are researching. However, it’s up to you to ensure the information they provide is reliable and accurate.

Always make sure to properly cite your sources to avoid plagiarism .

A fictional movie is usually a primary source. A documentary can be either primary or secondary depending on the context.

If you are directly analysing some aspect of the movie itself – for example, the cinematography, narrative techniques, or social context – the movie is a primary source.

If you use the movie for background information or analysis about your topic – for example, to learn about a historical event or a scientific discovery – the movie is a secondary source.

Whether it’s primary or secondary, always properly cite the movie in the citation style you are using. Learn how to create an MLA movie citation or an APA movie citation .

Articles in newspapers and magazines can be primary or secondary depending on the focus of your research.

In historical studies, old articles are used as primary sources that give direct evidence about the time period. In social and communication studies, articles are used as primary sources to analyse language and social relations (for example, by conducting content analysis or discourse analysis ).

If you are not analysing the article itself, but only using it for background information or facts about your topic, then the article is a secondary source.

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Streefkerk, R. (2023, May 15). Primary vs. Secondary Sources | Difference & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved 20 May 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/working-sources/primary-vs-secondary-sources/

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Primary Sources

Texts of laws and other original documents.

Newspaper reports, by reporters who witnessed an event or who quote people who did.

Speeches, diaries, letters and interviews - what the people involved said or wrote.

Original research.

Datasets, survey data, such as census or economic statistics.

Photographs, video, or audio that capture an event.

Secondary Sources

Secondary Sources are one step removed from primary sources, though they often quote or otherwise use primary sources. They can cover the same topic, but add a layer of interpretation and analysis. Secondary sources can include:

Most books about a topic.

Analysis or interpretation of data.

Scholarly or other articles about a topic, especially by people not directly involved.

Documentaries (though they often include photos or video portions that can be considered primary sources).

When is a Primary Source a Secondary Source?

Whether something is a primary or secondary source often depends upon the topic and its use.

A biology textbook would be considered a secondary source if in the field of biology, since it describes and interprets the science but makes no original contribution to it.

On the other hand, if the topic is science education and the history of textbooks, textbooks could be used a primary sources to look at how they have changed over time.

Examples of Primary and Secondary Sources

Adapted from Bowling Green State University, Library User Education, Primary vs. Secondary Sources .

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Primary vs. Secondary sources

This is the difference between a source written BY someone versus one written ABOUT something that someone else wrote.

• Primary Sources  are created  by someone first hand
• Secondary Sources  are written about something that someone else created

Primary Sources

A  primary source is an artifact, document, diary, manuscript, autobiography, recording, or any other source of information that was created at the time under study. It serves as an original source of information about the topic. 

One way to think of a primary source is it's the creator's original ideas, thoughts, or observations. They can be:

• Raw, unedited, unpublished - such as, a diary, personal letters, or data set
• Published - such as, an article in an academic/scholarly journal or book

For most research articles, you'll find all of these elements as headings and subheadings:

• Method  -  explains how the research was designed and carried out; identifies the population studied; explains how the data was collected 
• Results  - gives an analysis of the data
• Discussion  – includes limitations of the research (what went right and what went wrong)
• Conclusion  - explains how the research was either conclusive or inconclusive and what might be the next step
• References  –gives credit to the other scholars in the "conversation" and is a potential gold mine of more articles on this topic for your reader

As you progress in your studies, you'll be using primary sources more and more for research papers in your upper-level classes. The definition shifts a bit between the disciplines and can include such things as:

Social Sciences and Health Sciences 

• Pilot/prospective studies
• Cohort studies
• Survey research
• Case studies
• Lab notebooks, field reports
• Clinical trials 
• Dissertations and conference papers
• a novel or play
• a painting, photograph, or sculpture
• diaries, letters
• newspaper articles (from the period being researched)
• video and sound recordings

Secondary Sources

They are someone's interpretation or analysis of another person's original work. Secondary sources will support, refute or review the original idea, so can help you prove the point you set out to make in your research paper.  

They're an important part of the "scholarly conversation" in that they're responding to someone else's ideas and ensuing research.

You'll find them in academic books and articles.

Tertiary Sources

Tertiary sources consist of primary and secondary source information which has been  collected  and  distilled . They present summaries of or an introduction to the current state of research on a topic.

Some common examples of sources that can be tertiary are:

• dictionaries
• encyclopedias

These sources are great places to begin your research as they provide introductory or background information on a topic, such as definitions and explanations of important terms and concepts. However, these sources aren't providing any new thoughts or interpretation to the scholarly conversation on the topic.

Wikipedia is an example of a tertiary source.

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Looking for a book, article, database or something else for your research, primary sources.

A  primary source  is an  original  document containing  firsthand  information about a topic.

Different fields of study may use different types of primary sources. Common examples of a primary source are:

• Autobiographies
• Eyewitness Accounts
• Interview Transcripts
• Legal Documents
• Original works of art
• Photographs of the topic
• Original Research
• Video Footage of the topic event
• Works of literature

Secondary Sources

A  secondary source  contains commentary on or discussion about a primary source. The most important feature of secondary sources is that they offer an  interpretation  of information gathered from primary sources.

Common examples of a secondary source are:

• Biographies
• Indexes, Abstracts, Bibliographies (used to locate a secondary source)
• Journal Articles
• Literary Criticism
• Monographs written about the topic
• Reviews of books, movies, musical recordings,. works of art, etc.

Primary vs. Secondary Information

Primary sources are first hand sources; secondary sources are second-hand sources. For example, suppose there had been a car accident. The description of the accident which a witness gives to the police is a primary source because it comes from someone who was actually there at the time. The next day's newspaper story is a secondary source because the reporter who wrote the story did not actually witness the event.  The reporter is presenting a way of understanding the accident or an interpretation.

*From North Park University, History Department

However , the distinctions between primary and secondary sources can be ambiguous. It is important to remember that you cannot determine whether a source is primary or secondary solely based on the document type. An individual document may be a primary source in one context and a secondary source in another. For example, the movie  Love, Marilyn  is a secondary source when the topic is Marilyn Monroe; it would be considered a primary source if the topic of research was the works of Liz Garbus (the film's director).

Additionally, time can be a defining element. For example, a recent newspaper article is not usually a primary source; but a newspaper article from the 1860’s may be a primary source for United States Civil War research.

*From CBB Library and IT Consortium

Examples of Primary and Secondary Sources

Sometimes, the same source might be a primary source for one research paper and a secondary source for another. It all depends on the relationship of the source to your research question. For example, if you are researching Franklin Roosevelt's life, the book  No ordinary time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The home front in World War II  by Doris Kearns Goodwin would be a secondary source. If you were researching the literary style of Ms. Goodwin, it would be a primary source.

*From Joyner Library, East Carolina University

More on Primary Sources

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Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sources: A Quick Guide: Primary Sources

• Primary Sources
• Secondary Sources
• Tertiary Sources

What is a Primary Source?

Here are two definitions that try to capture the elusive nature of primary documents.

A definition from Cornell University:

A definition from Yale University:

"What are primary sources? Primary sources provide firsthand testimony or direct evidence concerning a topic or question under investigation.

They are usually created by witnesses or recorders who experienced the events or conditions being documented. Often these sources are created at the time when the events or conditions are occurring, but primary sources can also include autobiographies, memoirs, and oral histories recorded later." [ Primary Sources at Yale . Yale University.] Also on this site: Primary Sources come in all shapes and sizes.

A Photograph Can be a Primary Source

Antietam, Md. President Lincoln with Gen. George B. McClellan and group of officers. [October 3, 1862] Gardner, Alexander, 1821-1882, photographer. Source : Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division

Online Collections of Primary Sources: Examples

• Library of Congress. Digital Collections. Washington: Library of Congress, National Digital Library Program, 1994- .
• History: Primary Sources Databases. Cornell University Library.
• Making of America: The Cornell University Library MOA collection Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Library, 1996- .
• Valley of the Shadow: Two Communities in the American Civil War

Permissions Information

If you wish to use or adapt any or all of the content of this Guide go to Cornell Library's Research Guides Use Conditions to review our use permissions and our Creative Commons license.

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Identifying Primary and Secondary Sources

• Examples: Primary Sources
• Examples: Secondary Sources

The materials, evidence, or data used in your research are known as sources. As foundations of your research, these sources of information are typically classified into two broad categories— primary and secondary.

Primary Sources

A  primary source  provides direct or firsthand evidence about an event, object, person or work of art. Characteristically, primary sources are contemporary to the events and people described and show minimal or no mediation between the document/artifact and its creator. As to the format, primary source materials can be written and non-written, the latter including sound, picture, and artifact. Examples of primary sources include:

Secondary Sources

A  secondary source , in contrast, lacks the immediacy of a primary record. As materials produced sometime after an event happened, they contain information that has been interpreted, commented, analyzed or processed in such a way that it no longer conveys the freshness of the original. History textbooks, dictionaries, encyclopedias, interpretive journal articles, and book reviews are all examples of secondary sources. Secondary sources are often based on primary sources. Primary and Secondary Sources Compared An example from the printed press serves to further distinguish primary from secondary sources. In writing a narrative of the political turmoil surrounding the 2000 U.S. presidential election, a researcher will likely tap newspaper reports of that time for factual information on the events. The researcher will use these reports as primary sources because they offer direct or firsthand evidence of the events, as they first took place. A column in the Op/Ed section of a newspaper commenting on the election, however, is less likely to serve these purposes. In this case, a columnist’s analysis of the election controversy is considered to be a secondary source, primarily because it is not a close factual account or recording of the events. Bear in mind, however, that primary and secondary sources are not fixed categories. The use of evidence as a primary or secondary source hinges on the type of research you are conducting. If the researcher of the 2000 presidential election were interested in people’s perceptions of the political and legal electoral controversy, the Op/Ed columns will likely be good primary sources for surveying public opinion of these landmark events.

Primary Source Searching 

The chart below illustrates possible uses of primary and secondary sources by discipline, primary source searching in iucat.

Use the IU online library ca

talog (IUCAT) to look for primary source materials. Employ the Library of Congress subject heading subdivisions below to retrieve primary materials from IUCAT. These subdivisions indicate the form in which the material is organized and presented.

Subject Heading Subdivisions

Source Search Examples

Use the subject subdivisions to build search statements that may include names, events or topics. Below is a select sample of library catalog searches. Enter these terms and search for as Subject in IUCAT. You may also wish to try search for a ALL Fields which will give you a larger but less focused result. Use the AND operator (or the + sign) to combine ideas; for example, novelists and correspondence. AND will find your search words in any section of the subject headings and will increase the likelihood that you will find relevant material

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Primary and secondary sources: what are they and why do I need them?

What are the main differences between primary and secondary sources?

Why do i need to use both primary and secondary sources in my research, examples of primary and secondary sources, frequently asked questions about primary and secondary sources, related articles.

Primary and secondary sources are the two main types of source materials that you will use for your research project. They are both important and needed for your project. Whether you are going to use more primary or more secondary sources depends on your academic level - undergrad, postgrad, or professional.

Both types of sources have importance and merits of their own, but they are also immensely different. This guide will help you understand the differences. If you want to learn even more about both source types separately, where and how you can access them, and when and how to use them, check out the links below:

➡️  What is a primary source?

➡️  What is a secondary source?

The main difference between primary and secondary sources is that primary sources are contemporary.

Primary sources are original and originated from the event they refer to. They are not reviews, analyses, or critiques of events that occurred in the past. They are first-hand information.

Secondary sources are summaries, critiques, opinions, and analyses. They are written by people who did not witness, or have any direct part to play in the event they are describing. The information they contain is based on primary sources and is the author’s interpretation of the event/subject they are covering.

Using both types of sources adds to the merit of your research. By including references to secondary sources , you are showing that you have truly engaged with your research topic. You are providing extra information and displaying a well-rounded approach to your topic. You are not relying solely on the work of one person, or one institution, for your analysis to be based upon. You are reading broadly and contextually.

Likewise, including primary source references in your research shows that you are also going back to the roots. You are looking at the event or object as it happened, without being able to teleport through time and space. A primary source is vital because it will enable you to make your own judgement on an event or object. Secondary sources are always biased, in one sense or another, so engaging with the primary source yourself allows you to view the topic objectively.

Primary and secondary sources complement each other - looking at both can give you a deeper understanding of each. A primary source can help you to evaluate a secondary source - you will notice aspects of it which the author dismisses, or washes over in their discussion. Likewise, a secondary source can tell you about current trends in research and analysis, while providing you with a broad overview or summary of an extended period of time, or the works of an artist.

We have put together a list of examples of primary and secondary sources by fields of study. It will help you identify the nature of your source.

Primary sources are original and originated from the event they refer to. They are not reviews, analyses, or critiques of events that occurred in the past. They are first-hand information. For a more detailed description of what a primary source is, where you can access them, and why you need to use them, see this article about primary sources .

Secondary sources are summaries, critiques, opinions, and analyses. They are written by people who did not witness, or have any direct part to play in the event they are describing. The information they contain is based on primary sources, and is the author’s interpretation of the event/subject they are covering. See this article about secondary sources for further information.

Some examples of primary sources are: Poems, diaries, letters, paintings, government records, maps, interviews (transcribed or recorded), photographs, newspaper articles, results of experiments, case studies, results of clinical trials, minutes of meetings, and proceedings of conferences

Some examples of secondary sources are: Biographies, histories, reviews, encyclopaedias, literary criticism, discussions of importance, analysis of clinical trials, and reviews of results.

The one main difference between primary and secondary sources is that primary sources are contemporary and secondary sources are not.

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2.4: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Sources

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Teaching & Learning and University Libraries

Another information category is called publication mode and has to do with whether the information is:

• Firsthand information (information in its original form, not translated or published in another form).
• Secondhand information (a restatement, analysis, or interpretation of original information).
• Thirdhand information (a summary or repackaging of original information, often based on secondary information that has been published).

The three labels for information sources in this category are, respectively, primary sources, secondary sources, and tertiary sources . Here are examples to illustrate the first- handedness, second-handedness, and third-handedness of information:

When you make distinctions between primary, secondary, and tertiary sources, you are relating the information itself to the context in which it was created. Understanding that relationship is an important skill that you’ll need in college, as well as in the workplace. Noting the relationship between creation and context helps us understand the “big picture” in which information operates and helps us figure out which information we can depend on. That’s a big part of thinking critically, a major benefit of actually becoming an educated person.

As a reminder, recall one of the frames of the Framework for Information Literacy is Authority is Constructed and Contextual . Information does not occur in a vacuum, but within a context that impacts its meaning. Part of that context will be how you as an information consumer will process the different facets in which that information exists. So, with this in mind, recognize that primary sources as defined below are not cut and dried, nor black or white. For example, to a historian, an image or a representation of a piece of sculpture might be considered a primary source for the purposes of historical analysis; however, to a sculpture or an archaeologist, anything short of the physical piece of sculpture itself would not be considered a primary source. So, in this case, the “context” to consider is how the source of information itself is perceived by a particular discipline (history vs. sculpture or archaeology). More on this below when we consider the “format” of a source.

Primary Sources – Because it is in its original form, the information in primary sources has reached us from its creators without going through any filter. We get it firsthand. Here are some examples that are often used as primary sources:

• Any literary work, including novels, plays, and poems.
• Breaking news (first formal documentation of event–remember the Information Cycle).
• Advertisements.
• Music and dance performances.
• Eyewitness accounts, including photographs and recorded interviews.
• Blog entries that are autobiographical.
• Scholarly blogs that provide data or are highly theoretical, even though they contain no autobiography.
• Artifacts such as tools, clothing, or other objects.
• Original documents such as tax returns, marriage licenses, and transcripts of trials.
• Websites, although many are secondary.
• Correspondence, including email.
• Records of organizations and government agencies.
• Journal articles that report original research for the first time (at least the parts about the new research, plus their data).

Secondary Source – These sources are sources about the sources, such as analysis or interpretation of the original information, the primary source. Thus, the information comes to us secondhand, or through at least one filter. Here are some examples that are often used as secondary sources:

• Nonfiction books and magazine articles except autobiography.
• An article or website that critiques a novel, play, painting, or piece of music.
• An article or web site that synthesizes expert opinion and several eyewitness accounts for a new understanding of an event.
• The literature review portion of a scholarly journal article.

Tertiary Source – These sources further repackage the original information because they index, condense, or summarize the original.

Typically, by the time tertiary sources are developed, there have been many secondary sources prepared on their subjects, and you can think of tertiary sources as information that comes to us “third-hand,” that is, pre -processed. Tertiary sources are usually publications that you are not intended to read from cover to cover but to dip in and out of for the information you need. You can think of them as a good place for background information to start your research but a bad place to end up. Here are some examples that are often used as tertiary sources, which are also considered “reference sources” in the library world:

• Dictionaries.
• Guide books, like the MLA Handbook
• Survey articles.
• Bibliographies.
• Encyclopedias, including Wikipedia.
• Most textbooks, including the one you are now reading.

Tertiary sources are usually not acceptable as cited sources in college research projects because they are so far removed from firsthand information. That’s why most professors don’t want you to use Wikipedia as a citable source: the information in Wikipedia is far from original information. Other people have considered it, decided what they think about it, rearranged it, and summarized it–all of which is actually what your professors want you , not another author, to do with information in your research projects.

The Details Are Tricky — A few things about primary or secondary sources might surprise you:

• Sources have the potential of becoming primary rather than always exist as primary sources.

It’s easy to think that it is the format of primary sources that makes them primary. But that’s not all that matters. When you see lists like the one above of sources that are often used as primary sources, it’s wise to remember that the ones listed are not automatically already primary sources. Firsthand sources get that designation only when researchers actually find their information relevant and use it.

For instance: Here is an illustration of the frame, Authority is Constructed and Contextual. Records that could be relevant to those studying government are created every day by federal, state, county, and city governments as they operate. But until the raw data are actually used by a researcher, they cannot be considered primary sources. How this data is used is what gives these sources the designation, and authority, as primary sources.

Another example that references the frame, Authority is Constructed and Contextual : A diary about his flying missions kept by an American helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War is not a primary source until, say, a researcher uses it in her study of how the war was carried out. But it will never be a primary source for a researcher studying the U.S. public’s reaction to the war because it does not contain information relevant to that study.

• Primary sources, even eyewitness accounts, are not necessarily accurate. Their accuracy has to be evaluated, just like that of all sources.
• Something that is usually considered a secondary source can be considered a primary source, depending on the research project and the context in which something is used .

Here is another example where the context of the use of the source dictates whether or not the source is primary or secondary. For instance, movie reviews are usually considered secondary sources. But if your research project is about the effect movie reviews have on ticket sales, the movie reviews you study would become primary sources.

• Deciding whether to consider a journal article a primary or a secondary source can be complicated for at least two reasons.

First, scholarly journal articles that report new research for the first time are usually based on data. So some disciplines consider the data to be the primary source, and the journal article that describes and analyzes them is considered a secondary source.

However, particularly in the sciences, the original researcher might find it difficult or impossible (he or she might not be allowed) to share the data. So sometimes you have nothing more firsthand than the journal article, which argues for calling it the relevant primary source because it’s the closest thing that exists to the data.

Second, even scholarly journal articles that announce new research for the first time usually contain more than data. They also typically contain secondary source elements, such as a literature review, bibliography, and sections on data analysis and interpretation. So they can actually be a mix of primary and secondary elements. Even so, in some disciplines, a journal article that announces new research findings for the first time is considered to be, as a whole, a primary source for the researchers using it.

ACTIVITY: Under What Circumstances?

Instructions: Look at each of the sources listed below and think of circumstances under which each could become a primary source. (There are probably many potential circumstances for each.) So just imagine you are a researcher with projects that would make each item firsthand information that is relevant to your work. What kind of project would make each of the following sources relevant firsthand information? Our answers are at the bottom of the page, but remember that there are many more–including the ones you think of that we didn’t!

• Fallingwater, a Pennsylvania home designed and constructed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1930s.
• Poet W.H. Auden’s elegy for Y.S. Yeats.
• An arrowhead made by (Florida) Seminole Native Americans but found at Flint Ridge outside Columbus, Ohio.
• E-mail between the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, and her staff about North Korea.
• A marriage license.

Despite their fluidity, what primary sources usually offer is too good not to consider using because:

• They are original. This unfiltered, firsthand information is not available anywhere else.
• Their creator was a type of person unlike others in your research project, and you want to include that perspective.
• Their creator was present at an event and shares an eyewitness account.
• They are objects that existed at the particular time of the project you are studying.

Particularly in humanities courses, your professor may require you to use a certain number of primary sources for your project. In other courses, particularly in the sciences, you may be required to use only primary sources.

What is considered primary and secondary sources can vary from discipline to discipline. If you are required to use primary sources for your research project, before getting too deep into your project, check with your professor to make sure he or she agrees with your choices. After all, it’s your professor who will be grading your project. A librarian, too, can verify your choices. Just remember to take a copy of your assignment with you when you ask, because the librarian will want to see the original assignment. After all, that’s a primary source!

POSSIBLE AnswerS TO ACTIVITY: Under What Circumstances?

• You are doing a study of the entrances Wright designed for homes, which were smaller than other architects of the time typically designed entrances.
• Your research project is about the Auden-Yeats relationship.
• Your research project is about trade among 19th century Native Americans east of the Mississippi River.
• Your research project is on how Ambassador Haley conveyed a decision about North Korea to her staff.
• You are writing about the life of a person who claimed to have married several times, and you need more than her statements about when those marriages took place and to whom.

Is Autobiography a Primary or Secondary Source? Understanding the Difference

When it comes to the world of academic research and writing, the use of sources is essential. Every argument or claim needs to be backed up by a credible source to have any sort of validity and significance. However, one question that often arises is in regards to the use of autobiographies as a source. Is an autobiography a primary or secondary source? This debate has gone on for quite some time now and the answer doesn’t seem to be as clear-cut as one might initially assume.

If you think about it, an autobiography could be classified as both primary and secondary sources, depending on the context of the argument you are making. In its most basic definition, a primary source is one that is written or created by someone who was present at the time that the events being discussed took place. Secondary sources, on the other hand, are those that interpret or analyze primary sources. In the case of an autobiography, the author is a primary source for his or her own life experiences, but their interpretation of those experiences could be seen as a secondary source.

One thing that is certain is that the use of an autobiography as a source is not as simple as it may seem. While it might be tempting to simply quote from a famous person’s autobiography to back up a claim, there are many factors at play that should be taken into consideration. Does the author have any inherent biases or motives that might influence their interpretation of the events they are discussing? These are just a few questions that should be kept in mind when it comes to the use of autobiographies as sources. Autobiography as a Primary Source

As the name suggests, an autobiography is a self-written account of an individual’s life, including experiences, memories, thoughts, and feelings. Autobiography is considered a primary source because it provides a first-hand account of the autobiographer’s life, making it a valuable and authentic source of information.

When a historian or a researcher is studying a particular period or event, they often rely on primary sources to gain an accurate and unbiased understanding. Autobiographies provide unique and intimate insights into an individual’s life, allowing historians and researchers to understand events and decisions from a personal perspective.

• Autobiographies can provide insights into the author’s motives, thoughts, and emotions that secondary sources may not capture.
• Autobiographies can reveal the social, cultural, and political context of the time from a personal standpoint.
• Autobiographies can help historians and researchers understand the impact of events on the individual level, allowing them to create a more nuanced and accurate picture of the time period.

However, it is important to recognize that autobiographies are not entirely unbiased and objective sources. Autobiographers may have their own agendas, biases, and perspectives that can influence the way they recount events and experiences. They may also have lapses in memory or omit certain events or details that they do not wish to disclose.

Therefore, when using autobiographies as primary sources, historians and researchers must approach them critically and weigh them against other primary and secondary sources to ensure a thorough and accurate interpretation of history.

Autobiography as a Secondary Source

Autobiographies are often considered primary sources as they are written by the person who experienced the events. However, they can also be utilized as secondary sources depending on the context in which they are being used.

When an autobiography is being used to support a larger argument or analysis, it can be considered a secondary source. For example, if a historian is examining a particular time period and uses a politician’s autobiography as a source to gain insight into their decision-making process, the autobiography is being secondary to the historian’s interpretation of events.

Ways Autobiographies Can Be Utilized as Secondary Sources:

• As a way to gain insight into a person’s thought process or motivations during a particular time period
• To provide context for certain events or decisions
• As a way to compare and contrast different perspectives on an event or issue

The Limitations of Autobiographies as Secondary Sources

While autobiographies can provide valuable insights, it’s important to be aware of their limitations. Autobiographies are written from a particular perspective and can be biased or present events in a particular light that may not be fully accurate. Additionally, autobiographies are often incomplete and may omit certain details or events that the author may not have deemed important at the time of writing.

Example of Autobiography used as a Secondary Source: Barack Obama’s “Dreams from My Father”

In this example, Obama’s autobiography is being used as a secondary source to provide insights and context into his life experiences and policy decisions. By examining Obama’s perspective on these issues, historians and analysts can gain a deeper understanding of his presidency and the events that shaped it.

Importance of Primary Sources in Research

Primary sources refer to first-hand accounts of an event or time period that is being studied. These sources could include diaries, letters, speeches, interviews, newspapers, photographs, or any other document or artifact that was created during the time being researched. The use of primary sources is crucial in conducting research because they provide the most accurate and authentic information about historical events and people. In this article, we will discuss the importance of primary sources in research.

• Accuracy and Authenticity: Primary sources provide the most accurate and authentic information about historical events and people. They offer first-hand accounts of what actually happened and what people thought or felt at the time. This helps researchers better understand the context and significance of an event or period. Secondary sources can often be biased or inaccurate because they are based on someone else’s interpretation of the event or person.
• Uniqueness: Many primary sources are unique and cannot be found anywhere else. For example, a letter written by a historical figure might be the only surviving document that provides insight into their personal life. Researchers who rely solely on secondary sources may miss out on valuable information that is only accessible through primary sources.
• Access to Multiple Perspectives: Primary sources are not limited to the perspectives of historians or authors; they include the voices of ordinary people who lived during the time period being studied. This allows researchers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the topic from multiple perspectives.

Using primary sources in research can also be challenging because they may be difficult to access or interpret. For example, handwritten documents may be hard to read or understand, and artifacts may require specialized knowledge or equipment to analyze. However, the benefits of using primary sources outweigh the challenges, as they provide a unique and valuable perspective on history.

In conclusion, primary sources are crucial to conducting accurate and comprehensive research in history. They provide unique and valuable perspectives on historical events and people that cannot be found in secondary sources. While using primary sources can be challenging, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, and researchers who utilize primary sources in their work will gain a deeper understanding of the past and its significance.

Importance of secondary sources in research

When conducting research, it is crucial to consider the use of secondary sources. Secondary sources provide researchers with a wealth of information from experts in various fields. These sources can include textbooks, articles, and even other research papers that have been conducted in the same subject matter.

• Provides Context: Secondary sources provide context concerning the subject matter being studied. By using various secondary sources, researchers can gain a more in-depth understanding of the topic and its significance.
• Verifies Information: Secondary sources can serve as a way to verify the information found in primary sources. Utilizing more than one secondary source can also help researchers determine the most accurate information.
• Expands Literature Review: When writing a research paper or conducting a study, it is important to have a thorough literature review. Secondary sources can provide researchers with additional sources for their paper or study.

Finally, it is important to note that secondary sources can provide researchers with alternative viewpoints and perspectives on the subject matter. Utilizing secondary sources allows for a well-rounded analysis of the important subject matter.

The Benefits of Utilizing a Variety of Secondary Sources

When conducting research, it is crucial to not rely on only one source. By utilizing a variety of secondary sources, researchers can access a more diverse range of perspectives on the subject matter. Ideally, researchers should use sources that offer a variety of different viewpoints, including those that challenge their hypothesis or thesis.

One of the best ways to guarantee that research is accurate and reliable is to use as many secondary sources as possible. Researchers should aim to use sources that are peer-reviewed and that have the most relevant information. By using various secondary sources, researchers can develop a broader understanding of the subject matter and craft a more compelling argument in their study or research paper.

The Drawbacks to Utilizing Only Primary Sources

While primary sources can be valuable in providing original eyewitness accounts or perspectives, solely relying on primary sources can have drawbacks. For instance, there may be limited primary source material on a particular topic. Alternatively, primary sources can be biased or lack objectivity. Using solely primary sources may not provide the researcher with a comprehensive understanding of the topic at hand.

Overall, while primary sources may be an essential part of certain types of research, it is crucial to utilize secondary sources as well. Utilizing a variety of secondary sources can provide context and verify information while helping researchers to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the topic at hand.

Advantages of using autobiographies as a primary source

Autobiographies offer unique insights into the personal experiences of the author and their perspective on events. Here are five advantages of using autobiographies as a primary source:

• First-person accounts: Autobiographies are narrated by the author themselves, providing a first-person perspective of events and experiences that cannot be replicated by other sources.
• Personal feelings and thoughts: Autobiographies often delve into the personal feelings and inner thoughts of the author. This information cannot be obtained from other sources and provides an intimate insight into the author’s perspective.
• Historical context: Autobiographies provide context to the historical events surrounding the author’s experiences. This context can provide a more complete understanding of historical events and the impact they had on individuals.
• Authenticity: Autobiographies are written by the individuals who experienced the events, which can be valuable in understanding the authenticity of the material. This is particularly important for historical events where other sources may have biases or be incomplete.
• Cultural insights: Autobiographies can provide insights into the cultural experiences of the author and their community. This information is invaluable for understanding the social and cultural context of historical events.

Overall, autobiographies can provide unique insights into history, culture, and individual experiences. While they may have limitations, such as bias or selective memory, they are still an invaluable resource for researchers and historians seeking to understand the past.

Advantages of using autobiographies as a secondary source

Autobiographies are a valuable source of information for researchers, historians, and anyone interested in learning about the past. They offer a unique perspective on the events and people of a particular era. Autobiographies are a form of secondary source, written by an individual about their own life. Here are some advantages of using autobiographies as a secondary source:

• First-hand account: Autobiographies are written by the individuals who experienced the events they are writing about. They offer a first-hand account of events and provide unique insights that may not be available elsewhere.
• Personal perspective: Autobiographies are written from a personal perspective. The author is likely to offer their own opinions on various issues, providing an in-depth glimpse into their thoughts and feelings about the events they are describing.
• Richness of detail: Autobiographies often contain rich detail that is not available in other sources. The author is likely to include specific people, places, and events that are important to them. This level of detail can be invaluable to researchers trying to understand a particular era or event.

While there are many advantages to using autobiographies as a secondary source, it is important to keep in mind that they are just one source of information. They should be used in conjunction with other sources to build a complete picture of the past.

Here is an example of how valuable an autobiography can be:

As shown in this example, autobiographies can be an invaluable source of information for historians and researchers. They provide a unique perspective on the past and offer a level of detail that is difficult to find in other sources. While they should be used with caution and in conjunction with other sources, autobiographies are an important tool for understanding the people and events of the past.

Limitations of using autobiographies as a primary source

Autobiographies are undoubtedly an essential component in the study of history. They serve as first-hand accounts of past events and can provide unique insights into the lives and experiences of the people who lived them. However, they can also be problematic as primary sources due to their limitations. Here are seven limitations of using autobiographies as primary sources:

• Subjectivity: Autobiographies are inherently subjective. The author is presenting a personal account of their life, and their memories and perceptions may not align with objective facts. They may also embellish or omit certain parts of their life, skewing the overall narrative.
• Incomplete Information: Autobiographies often neglect important context and background information. The writer may assume that the reader is already familiar with certain events or people, leaving the reader with incomplete information.
• Confirmation Bias: Autobiographies are prone to confirmation bias, where the author may only recount events or facts that support their pre-existing beliefs or opinions. This can lead to a skewed or one-sided representation of events.
• Motivations: The reasons why an author decides to write an autobiography can affect the content and perspective of their work. They may have an agenda or be trying to justify their actions, leading to a biased account.
• Accuracy: Due to the subjective nature of autobiography and the passage of time, the accuracy of the events and facts presented often comes into question.
• Misremembering: People are prone to misremembering events or details of their life. Autobiographies may contain inaccuracies due to these errors in memory.
• Limited scope: Autobiographies are limited to the author’s perspective and experiences. They may not include information about other people or events that were happening at the same time, leading to an incomplete picture of the past.

Overall, using autobiographies as primary sources requires a careful examination of the author’s motives, potential biases, and the accuracy of their memories. While they have their limitations, they still provide valuable insights into the lives and experiences of people throughout history.

References:

FAQs: Is Autobiography Primary or Secondary Source?

1. what is a primary source.

A primary source is an original document or material that provides firsthand information about an event, person, or phenomenon.

2. What is a secondary source?

A secondary source is a document or material that analyzes or interprets primary sources.

3. Is an autobiography a primary source?

Yes. An autobiography is a primary source because it is a firsthand account of a person’s life.

4. Why is an autobiography considered a primary source?

An autobiography is considered a primary source because it is written by the person who has experienced the events described in it.

5. Is an autobiography always a reliable source of information?

No. An autobiography may contain biases or misconceptions, which can affect the accuracy of the information presented.

6. How can I determine the reliability of an autobiography?

You can determine the reliability of an autobiography by cross-checking the information presented with other primary and secondary sources.

7. Can an autobiography also be a secondary source?

Yes. An autobiography can be a secondary source if it is used to analyze or interpret primary sources.

Closing: Autobiography, A Living Testimony

Thanks for taking the time to read about the primary or secondary source of an autobiography. It’s fascinating how a personal account of an individual’s journey woven with their perspectives can offer insight into history. The fact that the writer has lived the events they narrate makes it a valuable primary source. However, it’s essential to note that biases and misconceptions may cause inaccuracies. Thus, cross-referencing with secondary and primary sources enhances the reliability of the information. Keep learning!

• How Do You Write an Autobiography in 3rd Person: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Is an Empirical Study a Primary Source? Exploring the Importance of Empirical Research in Academic Writing
• How to Determine if an Article is a Primary Source: The Ultimate Guide
• Exploring the Importance of Biographies as Primary Sources: Why is a Biography a Primary Source?

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• Evaluating & Citing Primary Sources

Primary and Secondary Sources Tutorial

Primary & secondary sources tutorial, navigate through the pages of the tutorial below to learn more about primary and secondary sources in different disciplines. .

This tutorial covers just a few of the many options & resources for finding primary sources, so be sure to contact your Fresno State subject librarian to discuss your research project. Our librarians are always happy to help.

• Click here to learn more about the images used in this tutorial . 
• Download a transcript  in Google Docs or as an accessible PDF . 
• This tutorial is also available on Canvas, where you can take it to earn a digital badge. 

This tutorial was created by Amanda Dinscore , Librarian at Fresno State, and is available to share & adapt with attribution under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license .

Sarah McDaniel , Librarian at Fresno State, is the current editor of this guide, and is available to make updates to the current guide.  

More About Primary and Secondary Sources

• PRIMARY Sources
• SECONDARY Sources
• Is My Source Primary or Secondary?

A primary source is an original material created during the time under study.

Primary sources can be original documents (such as letters, speeches, diaries), creative works (such as art, novels, music and film), published materials of the times (newspapers, magazines, memoirs, etc.), institutional and government documents (treaties, laws, court cases, marriage records) or relics and artifacts (such as buildings, clothing, or furniture). primary sources of information include:.

• literary works
• original documents such as diaries, letters, original manuscripts
• archival material, such as official documents, minutes, etc. recorded by government agencies and organizations
• original research studies, also called empirical studies

Examples of primary sources include:

• Manuscripts
• Newsletters
• Photographs

Secondary sources put primary sources in context. They comment, summarize, interpret or analyze information found in primary sources. Secondary sources are usually written by individuals who did not experience firsthand the events about which they are writing.

Examples of secondary sources include:.

• academic books
• biographies
• journal articles
• magazine articles
• dissertations
• encyclopedia articles

If you are uncertain about whether or not a source is primary or secondary, ask yourself the following questions.  If you answer, “yes” to any of them, there is a good chance the source is PRIMARY.  

• Did the author personally witness or experience the subject in question?
• Does the author know about this subject because of personal experience rather than having just read about it?
• Is this source a diary, letter, memoir, autobiography, oral history, or interview of a person with first hand experience of the subject?
• Is this source an official document or record published at the time of the event by the government, courts, or another organization?
• Is this source a newspaper or magazine article written at the time of the event?
• Is this a creative work such as a novel, poem, art or music piece created by a firsthand witness of the subject in question?
• Is this an excerpt from a primary source, such as the constitution or a letter written by a Civil War soldier that has been imbedded in a secondary source, such as a textbook?Remember, secondary sources may include reprints of primary sources.
• Is this an artifact or relic such as jewelry, pottery, clothing, music, art, architecture, dance or weaponry that was used by witnesses of the subject in question?
• Is this a compilation of raw scientific data or statistics, such as census statistics published by the U.S. Census Bureau, that is being published without commentary or interpretation?

Table courtesy  http://www.bgsu.edu/colleges/library/assistance/page41012.html

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• Last Updated: Dec 14, 2023 3:25 PM
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Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sources

Search catalog, what are the differences.

Sources of information or evidence are often categorized as primary, secondary, or tertiary material. These classifications are based on the originality of the material and the proximity of the source or origin. This informs the reader as to whether the author is reporting information that is first hand or is conveying the experiences and opinions of others which is considered second hand. Determining if a source is primary, secondary or tertiary can be tricky. Below you will find a description of the three categories of information and examples to help you make a determination.

Primary Sources

These sources are records of events or evidence as they are first described or actually happened without any interpretation or commentary. It is information that is shown for the first time or original materials on which other research is based.  Primary sources display original thinking, report on new discoveries, or share fresh information.

Secondary Sources

These sources offer an analysis or restatement of primary sources. They often try to describe or explain primary sources. They tend to be works which summarize, interpret, reorganize, or otherwise provide an added value to a primary source.

Tertiary Sources

These are sources that index, abstract, organize, compile, or digest other sources. Some reference materials and textbooks are considered tertiary sources when their chief purpose is to list, summarize or simply repackage ideas or other information. Tertiary sources are usually not credited to a particular author.

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Primary Sources - An Introductory Guide

• What is a Primary Source?
• Primary Sources at Seton Hall University Libraries
• Additional Resources
• Writing & Citing

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