History Sources: Primary Sources

The World Wide Web offers access to an enormous amount of information. As a researcher it is important to critically evaluate the information found. Here are a few points to consider:

Authority

1. Who created the site?

2. What credentials do they have that qualifies them to write on the topic?

Accuracy

1. Is the information accurate when checked against other sourcers?

2. Is it free from errors?

Bias/Objectivity

1. Is the information fact, opinion, or propaganda?

2. Is the author affliated with an organization?

Currency

1. Is the publication date clearly stated?

2. Is it clear when the site was last updated and/or revised?

Sources created by persons who actually saw or participated in an event. It can include thoughts and philosophies, either written or spoken.

Some examples of primary sources are diaries, interviews, letters, speeches, photographs, maps and court records.

Below are some suggested web links for primary source material.