Primary Sources were either created during the time period being studied, or were created at a later date by a participant in the events being studied (as in the case of memoirs) and they reflect the individual viewpoint of a participant or observer. Primary sources enable the researcher to get as close as possible to what actually happened during an historical event or time period.
Examples:
Original Documents (excerpts or translations acceptable): Diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, interviews, news film footage, autobiographies, official records
Creative Works: Poetry, drama, novels, music, art
Relics or Artifacts: Pottery, furniture, clothing, buildings
Secondary Sources interpret and analyze primary sources. These sources are one or more steps removed from the event. Secondary sources may have pictures, quotes or graphics of primary sources in them.
Examples:
Dictionaries, encyclopedias, textbooks, and books and articles that interpret or review research works.
The AIGA archives identify, preserve, and make available records to support research.
Graphic Design Archive Onlin - Rochester Institute of Technology
A comprehensive collection of primary resources on the history and practice of 20th century American Graphic Design.
Milton Glaser Design Study Center and Archives
The Milton Glaser Design Study Center and Archives, a division of the Visual Arts Foundation, is dedicated to preserving and making accessible design works of significant artistic, cultural, and historical value by preeminent designers, illustrators, and art directors who have close ties to the School of Visual Arts. This site also provides access to the SVA Blog "Container List."
The Herb Lubalin Study Center of Design and Typography
Founded by the Cooper Union and friends of the late Herb Lubalin, the Study Center was created to preserve Lubalin’s collection of work.
Walter Allner, Modern Packaging Cover,1963, 21 x 28.5 cm. Magazine Cover Design: Modern Packaging
Location: RIT Library
Simpson Library: 145 Hooper Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
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