Library:Evaluating Types of Sources

Types of Sources

It is important to know the differences between primary, secondary and tertiary sources. See below for characteristics and examples of these three forms of texts as appropriate to the sciences:

Characteristics and examples of primary, secondary and tertiary sources in the sciences

Primary

In research journals
Usually only include references to other primary sources
Covers very focused and specialized topics

Example: The journal Boundary-Layer Meteorology

Secondary

Research writings or graduate level text
Generally include a large bibliography
Usually bibliographic references are primary sources
Topic coverage is more focused than tertiary, but less focused than primary

Example: The book Atmospheric Boundary Layer, by J.R. Garratt, 1992.

Tertiary

Undergraduate text, or a textbook designed for a course
Sparse references, generally secondary sources
General and very broad topic coverage

Example: The book The Atmosphere, by R.A. Anthes, et al., 2nd ed. 1978