Skip to Main Content

Library Instruction: Primary vs. Secondary

Primary vs. Secondary

Primary sources are original materials and can range from a work of art to a diary or letter written during the period of study. The definition of a primary source can vary slightly depending upon the subject. 

What is a Primary Source? 

Primary vs. Secondary examples

PRIMARY SOURCE SECONDARY SOURCE
1. Mozart's The Magic Flute 2. Mozart by Stanley Sadie
3. Works Project Administration (WPA) Poster Collection at the Library of Congress 4. History Detectives PBS program episode: WPA Mural Studies
5. The Gettysburg Address

6. Lincoln at Gettysburg : the words that remade America by Gary Wills
7. The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare   8. The 1996 movie, Romeo and Juliet, with original dialogue, but modern setting
 

Secondary Source Examples


McNeese State University Frazar Memorial Library | Box 91445 | Lake Charles, LA 70609 | 337-475-5725 |

McNeese State University | 4205 Ryan St., Lake Charles, LA 70609 | 800-622-3352
EOE/AA/ADA | A member of the University of Louisiana System | Web Disclaimer | Policy Statements | University Status & Emergency Preparedness