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Primary sources are original materials created or produced at the time a historical event occurred. They present original thinking and reflect and individual viewpoint from a participant or observer. These sources are raw materials that have not been changed, interpreted, or evaluated in any way. Using primary sources on the Web. (2016). American Library Association.
Secondary sources are materials that have been created by someone such as a historian or an author who was not at the actual event. They are usually accounts of an event written after the fact. Secondary sources evaluate, analyze, and interpret primary sources.
How to distinguish between primary and secondary sources. University of California at Santa Cruz Libraries.
The following are some examples of primary resources:
Viewing the bibliographies of secondary sources is an excellent way to locate relevant primary sources.
When searching for books and articles, look for words like personal narrative, diary, letter, speech, interview, quotation, and autobiography in the contents description. You can combine one of the types of material previously listed with a historical figure.
Examples:
You may also try a search for a historical figure's name in the 'author' field. These searches will retrieve materials written by that person.
Examples:
| Primary Resource | Secondary Resource |
|---|---|
| An original paining by Picasso | A book about Picasso |
| President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address | An article about President Lincoln |
| An interview with someone who fought in WWII | A book about the effects of WWII |
The Annals of America, v. 1. v.22
The Papers of Thomas Jefferson. Retirement Series by The Writings of Thomas Jefferson by 
