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Secondary sources will have some analysis and interpretation, but are based on PRIMARY sources.
Not every source you locate with these collections below will be secondary sources, but the majority should be secondary.
Tertiary sources condense the information to its generally accepted facts--or at least what the experts agree amongst themselves is "common knowledge." This is the place to begin researching your idea to get a sense for
Primary | Secondary | Tertiary |
Autobiography | Biography | Encyclopedia |
Correspondence / Letters | Analysis | Almanac |
Speeches | Dissertations | Chronologies / Timelines |
Diaries | Dictionary | |
Interviews | ||
Personal narratives | ||
Archives |
Watch for these words in titles, subject headings or descriptions of material you consult--both books and articles. These words will indicate if the source is primary, secondary, or tertiary.
Need help? Email library@bvu.edu or chat with a BVU Librarian.
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