Primary Source vs. Secondary Source
A primary source is a document that shows direct, immediate or firsthand knowledge of a subject or event. It is a document written at the time or on the scene where an event occurred. These include:
Secondary sources are those writings without direct knowledge of a topic or event. These include biographies, monographs, and general periodical articles. Secondary sources are written by people who did not witness or experience an event but have a great deal of knowledge about the topic. Writers often use primary sources in their writing of secondary sources!
Below, you will find a selection of e-Books that are, or that contain, primary sources. You may also conduct your own search for primary source e-books in the catalog. Keep in mind that primary sources may be found in reference or secondary source books, so be sure to include the source where you find primary sources in your citations.
"The World” and the Twenties: The Best from New York’s Legendary Newspaper by 
Eyewitness History: The Roaring 20’s by ALWAYS use the date range feature when searching for primary source newspaper articles. An article is only a primary source if it was published at the time in which an event took place.
