 Depending on the type of research you're doing, you'll be expected to use different levels of sources. These levels are distinguished as primary sources, secondary sources, and tertiary sources. Primary sources provide first-hand evidence about the people, events, situations, or historical settings they relate to. Primary sources are original works and include diaries, letters, manuscripts, images, films, and even objects. Experienced researchers make effective use of primary source material. Secondary sources are books and articles that analyze or discuss primary sources. Secondary sources include scholarly articles and monographs, or specialized encyclopedias and dictionaries. Tertiary, or third-hand sources, are based on secondary sources and provide a non-scholarly treatment of the topic. These include newspapers and magazines, and general encyclopedias and dictionaries. If you have any questions understanding the nature of your sources, feel free to contact a librarian in person, by phone, or by email. And be sure to check out the other vid guides, brought to you by the Beam Library at Oklahoma Christian University.