Finding Good Information Resources: Primary v. Secondary

2.1 Successful Searches start with knowing your information sources
One of the first steps to take in a successful search is to determine what type of information you need and where to find that type of information. Two main types of sources are Primary and Secondary sources.

Primary sources capture a first-hand experience in some way; Secondary sources analyze or reflect on primary sources, or give an indirect account of events. Primary sources might include informal personal accounts, like diaries or personal interviews, or more public, formal accounts of an event, like a log-book or news-reporting. Some examples are noted below.

Secondary sources are often a bit easier to trackdown, because there is generally only "one" primary source or original record. Primary sources might be re-produced in a book, in a journal or on the web, but you might also consult with your librarian to find archival material or a collection that specializes in housing primary sources for your topic.

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