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Sources of information can be classified
into two broad categories: primary and secondary.
Primary sources
are original works that have not been filtered through interpretation or
evaluation by a second party. They can be first-hand accounts created by
participants
or eyewitnesses to events, or original works of art,
both written and visual. They may have been created at the time of the event
or at a later date. Examples
of primary source include first-hand information
or original objects such as autobiographies,
diaries, works of art, photos,
letters, historical records and documents, and interviews.
Secondary sources are a step removed from the original work
or event and provide analysis and interpretation
of primary sources. Examples of secondary sources
include biographies, critical analyses,
literary criticism, text books,
and articles or books written by non-participants.
Bear in mind that you can't always determine if something is primary or
secondary
just because of the type of publication it is found in.
The distinction between types of sources fcan get tricky
because a secondary source may also be a primary source.
For example, articles in newspapers and magazines are usually considered
secondary sources. However, if a story in the newspaper about the Syrian
conflict
is an eyewitness account, it would be a primary source.
But if the reporter includes additional material
he or she has gathered through interviews or other investigations,
the article would be a secondary source. Here's another example:
an interview in the Rolling Stone with Jay-Z would be a primary source,
but a review at the latest Jay-Z album
would be a secondary source. If you are ever confused about whether a source is
primary or secondary
ask your instructor or a librarian for help. You are welcome to visit
or contact the library for help finding primary and secondary sources
to write a paper or complete a project.