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SUNY Jefferson

JOU 101 Introduction to Journalism: Primary Sources

What are primary sources?

A primary source can be any information that is appearing for the first time, produced by the original source of the information itself and that provides direct or firsthand evidence about an event. Sources of information can include documents, letters, speeches, oral histories, autobiographies, diaries and memoirs produced by individuals about their ideas, observations, experiences, etc.; Documents and records produced by companies,  corporations, and other organizations; Laws, records, and statistics produced by governments of all levels; and reports of original research. Physical objects, artwork, sound and video recordings, and literature can also be considered primary sources. 

Selected Primary Sources

Data.gov

Data USA - Jefferson County NY

New York Quick Facts from Census.gov

JCC's Center for Community Studies Review latest reports from the Center for Community Studies detailing opinions on a variety of topics.

 

Your Librarian / Ask for Help

Contact:

jthomas@sunyjefferson.edu

315-786-2314
 

Research Assistance - Spring 2025

Email is the best method to use to contact me, I check my email several times a day during my normal work hours (9:00 am - 5:00 pm EST Monday through Friday). I check email less frequently (sometimes, not at all) during the weekends and on vacation days; if you need immediate help during these times, use the email and/or chat resources listed on our Ask for Help web page.

I look forward to working with you.

John