A primary source is a document, speech, or other type of evidence written, created or otherwise produced during the time under study. Examples include autobiographies, diaries, e-mail, interviews, letters, minutes, news film footage, official records, and photographs.
A secondary source provides interpretation and analysis of primary sources. Secondary sources are one step removed from the original event. Examples include encyclopedias, databases, literary criticism, magazine or newspaper articles, and textbooks.
The majority of materials in the Pan Am Flight 103/Lockerbie Air Disaster Archives are primary sources, although secondary sources contribute to our collections as well.
Artifacts - An artifact is a handmade object or the remains of one characteristic of an earlier time or cultural stage.
Manuscripts - The dictionary definition of a manuscript is a handwritten document. "Manuscripts" can also refer to unpublished documents, prepublication drafts of published works, and collections of personal papers or corporate records. The manuscript collections housed at the Pan Am Flight 103 Archives include original correspondence, maps, works of art, family photographs, audiovisual works, authors' drafts for books and articles, and more.
Memorabilia - Memorabilia refers to any non-manuscript item that has historical or emotional value which can be placed in an archival collection, such as clothing, ticket stubs, jewelry, pottery, etc.
Scrapbooks - A scrapbook is a portfolio or blank book in which various items (such as newspaper clippings or pictures) are collected.
Transcripts - A transcript is a written, printed, or typed copy of dictated or recorded material.
Bound Periodicals - Bound periodicals are issues of journals or magazines arranged together.
Rare Books - There are many reasons a book may be rare. A rare book may be a book, or an edition of a book, of which very few copies still exist. A book can also be called rare when it is part of an important edition or has special physical characteristics, such as binding, provenance, inscription, or association with important previous owners.
Serials - A serial is a publication that is issued in parts indefinitely over time. Serials include periodicals, almanacs, annual reports, etc.
