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What is a Primary Source?

Various disciplines define primary sources in different ways.  In general, primary sources contain original information that has not been interpreted or mediated by others.  Primary sources document an issue, event or time period from the standpoint of a participant or direct observer, as opposed to a scholar or commentator writing about the issue or event.  These materials have been created during the event, or they were created at a later date by participants or eye-witnesses. Depending on your topic or field of study, primary sources may also include other works that were produced during the time period. Primary sources will be helpful as you conduct your research, because they provide first-hand testimony and evidence about your topic.


Examples of Primary Sources

Primary sources are produced by participants or direct observers of an issue, event or time period.  These sources may be recorded during the event or later on, by a participant reflecting upon the event.

Some examples of primary sources include:

  • Newspapers
  • Speeches
  • Government Documents
  • Legal Documents
  • Public Opinion Polls
  • Interviews
  • Letters
  • Diaries
  • Memoirs
  • Autobiographies
  • Oral Histories
  • Photographs

In some cases, it will be difficult to obtain the original source, so you may have to rely on copies (photocopies, microfilm, digital copies)


Finding Primary Sources

There are different search strategies to find primary sources, depending on what material you are looking for and where you are trying to locate the source

Library Catalog
In the Library Catalog, enter your topic as a keyword search
To limit your search to different types of primary sources enter d:sources in the search box with your term.  This will return library materials that are described as primary sources in their subject headings.

primary source

You can limit your search to specific types of primary source material by indicating that source:

  • d:diaries
  • d:correspondence
  • d:interviews
  • d:“personal narratives”
  • d:“pictorial works”
  • d:memoir

Databases 
UT subscribes to a number of databases that offer primary source material on various topics.  These databases contain material from different time periods. When selecting a database, check to make sure the date range includes your event or time period by clicking the About link.

  • Newspapers
    Newspapers may be considered primary sources or secondary sources, depending on who wrote the article and what you are researching.
  • Speeches
    Video and audio versions and text transcripts of speeches and public addresses are primary sources.  Speeches can support your research by providing information on the event, the speaker and the speech topic.
  • Government Documents
    Information produced by different agencies of the federal government such as reports, manuals and studies are primary sources for the actions of the government.  Researching local and state government documents may help contextualize your research topic.
  • Legal Documents
    Legal documents can be helpful for understanding the exact wording of legislation and what the law covers.  Case law and court rulings are primary sources for court cases and related controversies.
  • Public Opinion Polls
    Polls and surveys are a common way to measure public opinion.  They offer raw data on the public’s attitudes towards certain issues and provide context for historical movements

Other Collections
The following websites contain primary source collections organized by other universities and organizations and have been recommended by librarians.  

Using Primary Sources

While primary sources are often desirable for the raw, non-interpreted information they provide, it is important to analyze them for your research. 

Consider these questions when using a primary source:

  • Who is the creator and what was their relationship to the event or issue?
  • Why did the creator produce this source?
  • Was the source for personal use?  For a large audience?
  • Was the source intended to be public (newspaper) or private (correspondence)?
  • How neutral was the creator?  What biases or interests might have influenced how the source was created?
  • Can the source be substantiated by other primary sources?  Can you confirm what the creator is saying?

 

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