Primary resources are sources that are usually created at the time of an event. Primary resources are the direct evidence or first hand accounts of historical events without secondary analysis or interpretation. For example, if you were writing a paper on World War I, a soldier's diary or a newspaper article written during World War I would be considered primary resources.
Prior to visiting an archival institution, it is important that you understand your topic. To do this, do some reading and background research on your topic.
Try using secondary resources available in your library, such as dictionaries, bibliographies and encyclopedias, when you begin your research journey. Secondary resources often provide you with a historical context for the primary resources that you will find in an archives.
Secondary resources "are one step removed from the original [primary] source, usually describing, summarizing, analyzing, evaluating, derived from, or based on primary source materials." Secondary resources offer an analysis, description or interpretation of primary resources (first-hand original material such as letters and diaries). For more information on primary and secondary resources, contact the Reference Department at your local library.
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Primary resource
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Secondary resource
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diary
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article explaining the significance and context of the diary
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letters from a solider to his mother during World War I
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book or encyclopedia articles about World War I
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original sketches/illustrations for a children's book
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biography or articles about the artist
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Administrative records (e.g. meeting minutes) from a non-profit organization
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Newspaper article or book on the organization's activities and historical development
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Keep in mind that your research question may evolve as you consult these sources. You will focus your topic many times before you set foot into an archives!