Determining what is a primary source can be tricky and depends on the topic, subject, and discipline you are researching. If you are unsure talk to your instructor or librarian.
Adapted from ODLIS
| Primary | Secondary | Tertiary |
|---|---|---|
| Statistical table of salaries | Article describing trends in salaries | Index or database for finding statistics |
| Clinical trials or results of laboratory experience | Systematic literature review | Data repository |
| The Declaration of Independence | Book exploring history and political thought behind Declaration of Independence | Almanac explaining documents, symbols, and anthems of the United States |
| Speech by well-known business leader | Biography of business leader | Textbook on human resources management |
| Physical evidence in a court trial | Lawyer’s closing remarks/argument | Dictionary of criminal justice |
| Results of a treatment trial testing a new antidepressant on elderly men | Book about treating depression with changes in diet and exercise | Manual with practical tips for working with elderly patients with depression |
| Blockbuster movie filmed in 1988 | Biography of the lead actor | Guide about the movie |
| Original artwork, perhaps a sculpture | Critique of that sculpture | Repository of Museum |
| Notes taken by clinical psychologist | Magazine article about the psychological condition | Textbook on clinical psychology |
Retrieved from http://www2.smumn.edu/deptpages/tclibrary/tutorials/finding/primary.pdf
Libraries, archives, museums, agencies maintain archival collections, microfilmed materials, data listed online or published in special repositories.
To search use term AND the types of sources (diaries, interviews, statistics..)
Not all material can be accessible in full text in open access but available with licensed subscription.