| Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|
| An original, "firsthand" or "eyewitness" account offering an inside view. | "Secondhand" information. |
| Contains new information (new at the time it was created, that is) that has not been interpreted, evaluated, paraphrased, or condensed. | Contains information that has been digested, analyzed, reworded or interpreted, and often combines information taken from primary sources and even other secondary sources. |
| Usually created during (or very close to) the time of the events on which they report. | Often written well after the events reported on; may put past information in a historical context. |
| Author typically provides direct impressions of events on which he or she is reporting. | Author typically reports on the impressions and experiences of other people. |
Still confused? Check out the video below that was created by the Hartness Library.
