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Introduction to Archives: What is a primary source?

This guide is a resource for using both hardcopy and digital archival resources. Resources have been mapped to archival literacy competencies for undergraduate History Majors. see Weiner, S.A., S Morris. and L.Mykytiuk, Archival literacy competencies for

 

 

 

Primary vs. Secondary Sources

In the History discipline, a primary source is one that was created during the time period you are studying, as opposed to a secondary source, which was written at a later date, reflecting on that earlier time period.

Primary sources are often unpublished sources, such as diaries, letters (often referred to as "correspondence' in archives), scrapbooks, photographs, or artifacts. However, primary sources can be published. For example, a modern newspaper article would be considered a secondary source but if you were studying the American Civil War, a newspaper article published in 1863 would be considered a primary source, as it was published during the period of history you are studying.

 

 

Resources for Defining Primary and Secondary Sources

 

From the web:

Primary and Secondary Sources - Ithaca College Library 

Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Resources - University of Maryland, University Libraries

Primary vs Secondary Sources  -  Princeton University

 

From the Library: