Primary information sources
Documents, sets of data, or physical objects that were written or created during a specific time period are considered primary sources. They may be records of events as they are first described and may or may not include any interpretation or commentary. Types of primary sources include:
| Documents | Interviews, eyewitness accounts Autobiographies or memoirs, diaries, letters Court records Census records Speeches News footage Audio recordings Government documents, such as treaties Maps |
|---|---|
| Creative works | Art Photographs Poems Performances Novels Original literary or theatrical works |
| Relics or artifacts | Buildings Pottery Furniture Clothing |
Secondary information sources
Publications which gather together and analyze, interpret and present information from primary sources are considered secondary information sources. These attempt to explain or describe primary sources. They may include text, photos or data from primary sources. Examples include:
- Biographies
- Historical fiction
- Motion pictures
- Journal, magazine and newspaper articles
- Essays, Commentaries
- Criticisms of art or literature
- Textbooks
- Television documentaries
- Conference proceedings