What is Primary Literature?

The primary literature for scientists was defined by the Council of Biology Editors as the "first disclosure containing sufficient information to enable peers (1) to assess observations, (2) repeat experiments, and (3) to evaluate intellectual proccesses". The "first disclosure" is most often made within peer-reviewed and edited scientific journals (in print and/or online), but may appear in conference proceedings, technical reports, and other media. Further, this published record of the reproducible results of original research must be written by the person or group who undertook the research (rather than being reported second hand by a science writer, editor, or in a text book or review article), and should be distributed in a source that is widely indexed by authoritative secondary and "tertiary" sources (such as those described above).

Peer-review refers to the process through which a research paper is critically evaluated prior to publication, by scientists with in-depth knowledge of the authors' area of research or investigation, to ensure that the work under review is accurate, reliable, well-written, and worthy of publication; the process is generally guided by an editor who makes the final decision. The American Chemical Society has published a detailed code of ethics related to the entire publication cycle, outlining the responsibilities and obligations of authors, reviewers and editors.

How can you tell if a journal article went through the peer-review process? Consult the Web site of the journal or the inside front cover to find the instructions to authors and/or editorial board information. Ulrich's Periodicals Directory also indicates whether peer review is part of the publication process. It is generally the rule for every journal received in the science library.

References

Council of Biology Editors. 1968. Proposed definition of a primary publication. Newsletter, Council of Biology Editors, November 1969, p. 1-2.
as cited by: Day, Robert A. 1994. How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper. Phoenix: Oryx Press, p. 9.

Dodd, Janes S, ed. 1997. The ACS Style Guide: a Manual for Authors and Editors. 2nd ed. Washington, D.C.: American Chemical Society. pp. 417-423.