History Subject Guide — History Overview

Primary vs. Secondary Sources

Historians distinguish between primary and secondary sources when doing research. Your professor may require you to use either or both types of sources, so it is important to understand the differences between them.

Primary Sources

• Original, first-hand accounts, not interpreted or rewritten or evaluated by other writers
• Created during the event in question or very shortly thereafter
• Examples include diaries, letters, business account books, government documents, and contemporary newspaper articles
• Contemporary physical objects such as clothing, artworks, and buildings may also be used as primary sources

Secondary Sources

• Do not provide first-hand evidence
• Created some time after the event in question
• Analyze, interpret, or comment on information gathered from primary sources
• Examples include scholarly articles or books, biographies, and government publications or websites

Other Useful Research Guides