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The U.S. Naval Academy Nimitz Library

Research Refresher

What is a primary source?

Primary sources for history can be defined as "those closest, in time or connection, to any subject of investigation." [Richard Maruis, A Short Guide to Writing about History, 8th ed., 2012, p.14]

These include:

  • Letters, diaries, memoirs, speeches, and other first person accounts
  • Certain government publications, such as Congressional hearings
  • Official accounts by people in authority, such as reports from the Secretary of the Navy or captain of a ship
  • Oral histories or interviews
  • Manuscript collections
  • Most newspaper or periodical articles from the time of the event
  • Other material from the time such as photographs or pamphlets

 

Secondary sources complement primary sources. Secondary sources often provide analysis and interpretation of primary source material and incorporate primary sources into their content.
 

Examples of primary and secondary sources in various disciplines:

Discipline Primary Source Secondary Source
Engineering    
English Novel or poem Article about the theme of the novel or poem
History Action Report on the Battle of Midway Book by a historian about World War II / Battle of Midway
Political Science Bill that has become law Article analyzing the success of that new law

The Nimitz Library provides access to many primary sources databases in support of the USNA mission.

Where to find primary sources?

Primary sources can be found through Nimitz Library resources, as well as searching on the internet. Below are several links to get you started, particularly if you're seeking a primary source related to history:

HH104 guide

History guide

Primary source databases