LibGuides: American Civil War: Primary vs. Secondary Sources

Primary vs. Secondary Sources

What's the difference between primary and secondary sources? Watch this Research Minute Video to find out.

Primary vs. Secondary Sources vs. Tertiary Sources

When evaluating the quality of the information you are using, it is useful to identify if you are using a Primary, Secondary, or Tertiary source. By doing so, you will be able recognize if the author is reporting on his/her own first hand experiences or relying on the views of others.

Source Type	Examples
Primary A primary source is a first person account by someone who experienced or witnessed an event. This original document has not been previously published or interpreted by anyone else.	First person account of an event First publication of a scientific study Speech or lecture Original artwork Handwritten manuscript Letters between two people A diary Historical documents, e.g. Bill of Rights
Secondary A secondary source is one step removed from the primary original source. The author is reexamining, interpreting and forming conclusions based on the information that is conveyed in the primary source.	Newspaper reporting on a scientific study Review of a music CD or art show Biography
Tertiary A tertiary source is further removed from primary source. Tertiary sources offer a summary or restatement of facts and research from both primary and secondary sources. The main difference between secondary and tertiary sources is that tertiary sources offer no new information and no analysis of the information from primary and secondary sources. Tertiary sources are often great places to collect background information.	Bibliography Index to articles Library catalog Encyclopedia Almanac Dictionary Textbooks (sometimes)