Guides: Primary Sources: Introduction

What is the difference between a primary and secondary source?

What are Primary Sources Used for in the Field of History?

Historians study and analyze primary sources in order to interpret and write about historical events and issues. Check out the link below for tips on how to think, analyze and write like a historian.

Writing in the Disciplines - from the University of Richmond

Evaluating Primary Sources in History

Evaluating Primary Sources (American Library Association)
Guideines on evaluating a primary source website from ALA's Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) .
Primary Sources: Evaluating
Most primary sources you may have access to are 'surrogates' or reproductions of original documents. This provides what to look for in determining the authenticity of a primary source, including digital, image, video and full text sources.