Primary literature
Primary literature contain original data and ideas and are generally the first published record of an investigation (treatise). Examples include research articles, research monographs, preprints, patents, dissertations, and conference proceedings.
Because the function of primary literature is to prove
claims (or to make a claim trustworthy) is the documentation important, while
primary literature for example describe experiments in ways that allow other
researchers to replicate them. Description of research methods is a central part
of a primary document, which also contains
bibliographic reference which serve as documentation for those parts of the
claims that are not fully substantiated in the document, but have formerly been
documented by other scholars or scientists.
According to the UNISIST model is primary literature opposed to secondary literature and tertiary literature as well as to source literature and other categories of literature. There are however other models and ways to model the literary system.
Primary literatures are produced by primary information systems such as publishers.
The study of the primary literature, its design, and architecture and functions is, among other fields a part of the fields Written Communication and Composition Studies".
Literature:
Cronin, B. (1995). The Scholar’s Courtesy: The Role of Acknowledgement in the Primary Communication Process. London: Taylor Graham.
Koonce, T. Y.; Giuse, N. B. & Todd, P. (2004).
Evidence-based databases versus primary medical literature: an in-house investigation on their optimal use.
Journal of the Medical Library Association, 92(4), 407-411.
See also: Document typology; UNISIST model of information dissemination
Birger Hjørland
Last edited: 11-05-2006