Zeke's Guide: finding what you need in the UNH Library
What are Primary Sources?
A primary source gives the researcher
testimony or evidence on a topic or theme,
an historic event or a time period.Examples would be:
diaries
personal journals or letters
memoirs or autobiographies
official records
statisticsNewspaper and journal articles published
at the time an event is being researched
may be considered a primary source.
What are Secondary Sources?
A secondary source is a work that comments on,
interprets or analyzes a topic or theme,
an historic event or a time period.Examples would be:
textbooks
encyclopedia articles
dictionaries
criticism or critical reviewsFuller, more comprehensive examples are available from
UC Berkeley Library
If in doubt ask your instructor/professor what they
consider acceptable Primary or Secondary sources.
Need help? Ask a Librarian!
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