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In [[Scholarly method|scholarship]], a '''tertiary source''' is a term used to describe a work which is chiefly a selection or compilation of other [[Primary source|primary]] and [[Secondary source|secondary sources]].<ref>See, e.g., University of Maryland Libraries (2001) [http://www.lib.umd.edu/guides/primary-sources.html#tertiary "Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Sources"]</ref><ref>See, e.g. [http://www.lib.odu.edu/libassist/tutorials/nursing/glossary.html Glossary, Using Information Resources]. ("Tertiary Source" may be defined as "reference material that synthesizes work already reported in primary or secondary sources".) </ref><ref name=JCU>[http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/libcomp/assist/guides/azguides/JCUPRD_030412  Primary, Secondary & Tertiary Sources] - James Cook University</ref> The distinction between a secondary and tertiary source is relative,<ref>[http://www.lib.umd.edu/guides/primary-sources.html Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Sources, UM Libraries]</ref><ref name=JCU /> whereas the difference between primary and secondary sources is more absolute in [[historiography]]. As a general rule, however, tertiary sources tend to be more focused on the identification of scholarly work than on the content itself.
A '''tertiary source''' is an index and/or textual condensation of [[Primary source|primary]] and [[secondary source]]s.<ref name="umd">University of Maryland Libraries (2001) [http://www.lib.umd.edu/guides/primary-sources.html#tertiary "Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Sources"]</ref><ref>[http://www.lib.odu.edu/libassist/tutorials/nursing/glossary.html Glossary, Using Information Resources]</ref><ref name=JCU>[http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/libcomp/assist/guides/azguides/JCUPRD_030412  Primary, Secondary & Tertiary Sources] - James Cook University</ref>


Depending on the context, tertiary sources might include [[bibliographies]], [[library catalog]]s, directories, reading lists and survey articles. [[Encyclopedia]]s and [[textbook]]s are examples of written materials that typically embrace both secondary and tertiary sources, presenting on the one hand commentary and analysis, while on the other attempting to provide a synoptic overview of the material available on the topic.
Some examples of tertiary sources are [[almanac]]s, [[guide book]]s, [[survey article]]s, [[timeline]]s, and [[user guide]]s. Depending on the topic of research, a scholar may use a [[bibliography]], [[dictionary]], or [[encyclopedia]] as either a tertiary or a secondary source.<ref name="umd" />


The classification of a given source is subjective and contextual. For example, a modern encyclopedia might be generally considered a tertiary source, but an ancient encyclopedia is generally considered a primary source. The difference is because the modern encyclopedia is used as a source for information about a topic, and the ancient encyclopedia is understood as a source of information about the state of knowledge in the time period when the encyclopedia was written. However, even a modern encyclopedia is a primary source for some facts, such as the name of its publisher.  
As tertiary sources, encyclopedias and [[textbook]]s attempt to summarize and consolidate the source materials into an overview, but may also present subjective commentary and analysis (which are characteristics of a secondary source).


A different definition is used by the [[UNISIST model]] in which secondary sources are understood as bibliographies, while tertiary sources are understood as synthesis of primary literature.
In some [[academic discipline]]s the distinction between a secondary and tertiary source is relative,<ref>[http://www.lib.umd.edu/guides/primary-sources.html Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Sources, UM Libraries]</ref><ref name=JCU /> but in [[historiography]] it is absolute.
 
In the [[UNISIST model]], a secondary source is a bibliography, whereas a tertiary source is a synthesis of primary sources.{{citation-needed|date=February 2012}}


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Research]]
* [[Research]]
* [[Historiography]]
* [[Historiography]]
* [[Source text]]
* [[Primary source]]
* [[Primary source]]
* [[Secondary source]]
* [[Secondary source]]
* [[UNISIST model]]
* [[Source text]]


==Notes==
==Notes==

Revision as of 14:54, 22 February 2012

A tertiary source is an index and/or textual condensation of primary and secondary sources.[1][2][3]

Some examples of tertiary sources are almanacs, guide books, survey articles, timelines, and user guides. Depending on the topic of research, a scholar may use a bibliography, dictionary, or encyclopedia as either a tertiary or a secondary source.[1]

As tertiary sources, encyclopedias and textbooks attempt to summarize and consolidate the source materials into an overview, but may also present subjective commentary and analysis (which are characteristics of a secondary source).

In some academic disciplines the distinction between a secondary and tertiary source is relative,[4][3] but in historiography it is absolute.

In the UNISIST model, a secondary source is a bibliography, whereas a tertiary source is a synthesis of primary sources.Template:Citation-needed

See also

Notes

Template:Reflist

de:Tertiärliteratur es:Fuente terciaria fi:Tertiäärilähde fr:Source tertiaire hr:Tercijarne publikacije hu:Harmadlagos forrás id:Sumber tersier mk:Терцијарни извори на информации zh:三级文献

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 University of Maryland Libraries (2001) "Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Sources"
  2. ↑ Glossary, Using Information Resources
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Primary, Secondary & Tertiary Sources - James Cook University
  4. ↑ Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Sources, UM Libraries
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