How do you know if a source is primary or secondary?

To determine if a source is primary or secondary, ask yourself:Was the source created by someone directly involved in the events you’re studying (primary), or by another researcher (secondary)?Does the source provide original information (primary), or does it summarize information from other sources (secondary)?

Is a personal letter a primary or secondary source?

Published materials can be viewed as primary resources if they come from the time period that is being discussed, and were written or produced by someone with firsthand experience of the event. Examples of primary sources: Autobiographies and memoirs. Diaries, personal letters, and correspondence.

Is a personal letter a primary source?

Letters are first-hand written records of events and communication between people, so they count as primary sources.

What is not considered a primary source?

Materials that are NOT primary sources include: Books written after a historical event by someone who was not involved in the event. Books are considered Secondary Sources. Statistics compiled about a historical event (for example, a tally of the number of dead in a battle)