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Primary sources are uninterpreted, original materials—a.k.a. an activist gave a speech, a scientist conducted original research, a student drew original conclusions from others’ works, an artist created a piece of artwork, or your grandmother wrote an autobiography. Primary sources can be data and statistics as well, such as the 2000 Census.
Note: Keep in mind that because primary sources reflect the true meanings and ideas put forth by authors, the information itself may not be completely well-reasoned or accurate.

Questions to ask when determining if something is a primary source:

• Did the author conduct original research on the topic?
• Is it a survey? Was the group large enough to create an accurate representative sample?
• Can you tell if this is an original document? A creative work?
• Where did the information come from—personal experience or second-hand reporting? How did the author come across this information?

Why primary sources are good to use:

Sources that present the author’s own research or own original conclusions based on the research of others are more helpful and effective for your needs, rather than works regurgitating the ideas of others. In the latter case you are better off finding the original sources of information.

Secondary sources are information sources that interpret, include, describe, or draw conclusions based on works written by others (a.k.a. primary sources). Secondary sources are used by authors to present evidence, back up arguments and statements, or help represent an opinion. These sources are often referred to as being "one step removed" from the actual occurrence or fact. Research papers that you write at Saint Mary’s would be considered secondary sources.
Note: Keep in mind that authors of reliable secondary source materials should be well-informed, share information in an unbiased manner, and be well-respected in their fields.

How to tell if something is a secondary source:

• Can you tell if the source is simply restating another author’s ideas?
• Is the source a textbook, encyclopedia, or commentary?
• Does the source include quotes or images?
• Did the author draw conclusions from one or multiple information sources?

Why secondary sources are good to use:

Secondary sources are good if you want to make a statement in your research, but need facts to back it up. Please be careful not to skew or misuse the other author's facts. Also, secondary sources can be used to support your own opinions and conclusions. However, it is propitious to critique the original source of that opinion before including it in your work.

Examples:

Comparison: similar primary and secondary sources:

Primary Sources:		Secondary Sources:
Statistical table of public school teachers' salaries in Minnesota.		Article describing trends in Minnesota teachers' salaries, based on the statistics.
A reproduction of the Declaration of Independence.		Book exploring the history and political thought behind the Declaration of Independence.
Report of new scientific research discovery.		Interpretation by outsider of scientific research results.
Physical evidence in a court trial.		Lawyer's closing remarks/argument.
Results of a treatment trial testing a new antidepressant on elderly men.		Book about treating depression with changes in diet and exercise.
Original artwork, perhaps a sculpture.		Critique of that sculpture.

Need additional help distinguishing between primary and secondary sources?
Please don't hesitate to Contact Us or Make an Appointment if you need assistance.

Last revised: November 10, 2008

Maintained by the staff of Saint Mary's University Twin Cities Library
Comments to tc-library@smumn.edu
URL: http://www2.smumn.edu/deptpages/tclibrary/help/primary.php