What is a primary source?

Flo, Indian River Fruit A primary source is original material that is not derived from another work; it is first-hand material.

A secondary source is a derived work that interprets primary sources in some way; it is second-hand material.


The image to the left is an example from an old advertisement from a citrus crate. Other examples of primary sources are: letters, i.e. correspondence from one person to another, the manuscript of a novel (published or un-published), a newspaper account of a historical event around the time that it occurred, a photograph, a journal or diary, a speech or interview, artwork, advertising, a scientific report or case study, etc. (Read more about primary and secondary sources.)

Research using primary sources is much like assembling a puzzle, except that the pieces are not necessarily all in the same box, or even in one collection! Even when all the pieces are collected, they still need to be interpreted and synthesized into an argument. Used as building blocks, primary sources can be used to answer a wide variety of research questions.

Where can I find primary sources here at UF?

Depending on your subject area, you can also find primary sources in any of the libraries on campus, in the Libraries' online Digital Collections, and in the Libraries’ Special Collections Department, which has many primary source materials available. Registration and reference forms for Special Collections can be found here. Email research requests for specific questions to Special Collections or call (352) 273-2755.

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