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This guide will help you distinguish between primary and secondary sources. It will also assist you in locating primary sources in the library and through Internet resources.
Image Credit: WNYC.org
Primary Sources vs. Secondary Sources
What is a primary source?
Primary sources are original records created at the time historical events occurred or well after events in the form of memoirs and oral histories. These sources serve as the raw material to interpret the past, and when they are used along with previous interpretations by historians, they provide the resources necessary for historical research.
Examples: Primary sources may include letters, manuscripts, diaries, journals, newspapers, speeches, interviews, memoirs, documents produced by government agencies such as Congress or the Office of the President, photographs, audio recordings, moving pictures or video recordings, research data, and objects or artifacts such as works of art or ancient roads, buildings, tools, and weapons.
Examples: Primary sources may include letters, manuscripts, diaries, journals, newspapers, speeches, interviews, memoirs, documents produced by government agencies such as Congress or the Office of the President, photographs, audio recordings, moving pictures or video recordings, research data, and objects or artifacts such as works of art or ancient roads, buildings, tools, and weapons.
What is a secondary source?
A secondary source interprets and analyzes primary sources. These sources are one or more steps removed from the event. Secondary sources may have pictures, quotes or graphics of primary sources in them.
Examples:A history textbook, magazine/journal articles that interpret previous findings, encyclopedias, books, etc.
Often times it seems as if Primary Sources are difficult to locate, especially if you are researching a topic that might not have many sources available. On the other hand, Primary Sources can be easier to find if you know where to start searching! Places you can find primary sources include:
Archives/Special Collections
One of the best places to find primary sources is in archives. The mission of archives is to collect, preserve, organize, and make information/research accessible. A wide array of Primary Sources are accessible through archives. Archives and Special Collections departments can be found in libraries and museums.
The Olive-Harvey College Library has a small archive/special collection of newspaper articles and other primary source documents. To access the collection, please ask for assistance at the reference desk.
Digital/Online Sources
Many archives and libraries are making copies of the primary sources they hold available online. They are usually available in digital archives and online exhibits. For a list of websites that contain primary sources, visit the "Primary Sources on the Internet" section of this guide.
You can now search and retrieve resources from: Books, eBooks, & articles from academic/scholarly journals, newspapers, & popular magazine publicationsandfreeorgovernment websites!
If you prefer searchingutilizing a particular database, searchhere
Note: When you access the Online Catalog,it will reflect "Login".WhetherOn-Campus or Off-Campus, log inusing your student username and password.
Below is a screenshot of CCC Catalog System
Online Databases: The library has access to several online databases that contain primary source documents.
Harper's Historical Archive Electronic Access (Years 1857-1912) to Harper’s Weekly, America’s leading 19th century illustrated newspaper.
Contains information about the history of women in social movements in the U.S between 1600 and 2000.
Primary Sources on the Internet
This lists highlights quality primary source material that can be found online. Due to the growth of digital archives and digitization projects in many museums and libraries, students and researchers now have greater access to primary source materials.
American Memory from the Library of Congress
Historical Collections for the National Digital Library
The National Archives and Records Administration offers links to the libraries for US Presidents beginning with Truman. The amount of material varies as each library is an independent operation.
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