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A primary source is firsthand testimony or direct evidence that is usually recorded or created during the time period of the topic under investigation.
This differs from a secondary source, which interprets or analyzes historical events, and can be recorded or created anywhere from days to centuries later.
There are a number of ways to locate and access primary sources:
The ability to determine the authenticity and research value of primary source material is a skill that needs to be developed over time. There are a number of criteria that should be considered when evaluating each source, including: