What is a Primary Source?

There are three types of resources used in research: primary sources, secondary sources, and finding tools.

I. Primary Sources

A primary source is a document, speech, or other sort of evidence written, created or otherwise produced during the time under study. Primary sources offer an inside view of a particular event. Examples include:

Original documents: autobiographies, diaries, e-mail, interviews, letters, minutes, news film footage, official records, photographs, raw research data, speeches

Creative works: art, drama, films, music, novels, poetry

Relics or artifacts: buildings, clothing, DNA, furniture, jewelry, pottery

Examples of primary sources:

II. Secondary Sources

Secondary sources provide interpretation and analysis of primary sources.
Secondary sources are one step removed from the original event or "horse's mouth."

Examples of secondary sources:

III. Finding Sources

Finding sources are research tools that lead to primary or secondary sources. Developed by subject experts, they provide quality filters unavailable via the Internet's search engines. The UNR Libraries' web site provides access to a variety of research resources:

Examples of finding sources: