[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
Re: Newspapers as Primary Sources
Just about anything can be incorrect or untrue including orginal
manuscripts. All sources have their negatives. Newspapers are essential
research tools. Nespaper clipping collections (of which I have many) are
also very useful though they are hard to conserve.
Louise Sandberg, Special Collections
Lawrence Public Library
Dean DeBolt wrote:
> Okay, class ... from my talks to groups about newspapers.
>
> Are newspapers primary sources? Some wave their hands
> yes, others wave their hands no. The definition of a primary
> source is that it is eyewitness or closest in time to the actual
> event. So, yes, newspapers are primary sources.
>
> But the second issue is one of truth. Simply because it is an
> eyewitness account or closest in time does not make it true.
> That's why people debate newspapers as primary sources,
> because we all have seen errors in writing and reporting in the
> newspaper.
>
> The third issue of the primary source is the "spin" or slant of
> the person doing the reporting or writing. I know an autobiography
> of a prominent congressman....he wrote it, his daughter edited it,
> it is considered primary ... except since he lost his long tenure in
> Congress because of ethics ... his book barely mentions that issue
> so he (and his editing daughter) exits office merely "retiring."
>
> Usually after I get the class to agree that newspapers are primary
> sources ... I then pull out some of my newspapers (National Enquirer
> or Weekly World News with lurid highly improbable headlines)...
> we all have a good laugh and then I can talk about that just because
> it is in print or primary does not make it true. A good researcher
> will set out to have multiple proofs of a fact.
>
> Dean
> Dean DeBolt
> University Librarian
> Special Collections and West Florida Archives
> John C. Pace Library
> University of West Florida
> 11000 University Parkway
> Pensacola, FL 32514-5750
> Tele: 850-474-2213; Fax: 850-474-3338
>
> A posting from the Archives & Archivists LISTSERV List!
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe, send e-mail to listserv@listserv.muohio.edu
> In body of message: SUB ARCHIVES firstname lastname
> *or*: UNSUB ARCHIVES
> To post a message, send e-mail to archives@listserv.muohio.edu
>
> Or to do *anything* (and enjoy doing it!), use the web interface at
> http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/archives.html
>
> Problems? Send e-mail to Robert F Schmidt <rschmidt@lib.muohio.edu>
A posting from the Archives & Archivists LISTSERV List!
To subscribe or unsubscribe, send e-mail to listserv@listserv.muohio.edu
In body of message: SUB ARCHIVES firstname lastname
*or*: UNSUB ARCHIVES
To post a message, send e-mail to archives@listserv.muohio.edu
Or to do *anything* (and enjoy doing it!), use the web interface at
http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/archives.html
Problems? Send e-mail to Robert F Schmidt <rschmidt@lib.muohio.edu>