Interpreting Primary and Secondary Sources

Newspapers

Newspapers represent one of the richest sources of information but remain underutilized because their vastness inhibits access. Although often used as primary sources, newspapers usually represent a step away in reliability because the reporting is filtered through a number of interpretive and editorial processes. The reporter may be wrong in his or her explanation of events or have a personal mission that clouds the perspective of objectivity. Most news media are profit-making enterprises; hence, the researcher must decide if the weight given certain types of reporting is done "to sell newspapers" or attract advertisers. Conversely, newspapers may be the only available source for information on persons, places and events for which no other type of record exists.

Mouse over the image to see the source analyzed Baltimore News Post Original Newspaper Collection, Box 8, Special Collections, University of Maryland Libraries