Iowa History

Secondary sources were created by someone who did not experience first-hand or participate in the events or conditions you’re researching. 

A secondary source interprets and analyzes primary sources. These sources are one or more steps removed from the event. Secondary sources may contain pictures, quotes or graphics of primary sources.

Some types of secondary source include textbooks, journal articles, histories, criticisms, commentaries, and encyclopedias.

(Adapted from Harvard Library.)