LibGuides: History: Explore Topics

Without libraries what have we? We have no past and no future.

Ray Bradbury

"Old letter" by Umbrella Shot is licensed by CC BY 2.0

Guides to Historical Research

These books have in-depth information about doing historical research.

Going to the Sources by Anthony Brundage
Call Number: Online
ISBN: 9781119262855
Publication Date: 2017-04-27
This guide helps students at all levels meet the challenge of writing their first (or their first "real") research paper. Presenting various schools of thought, this useful tool explores the dynamic, nature, and professional history of research papers, and shows readers how to identify, find, and evaluate both primary and secondary sources for their own writing assignments.
The Information-Literate Historian by Jenny L. Presnell
Call Number: RESV JARV 02
ISBN: 9780190851491
Publication Date: 2018-05-31
This book is designed to teach readers how to successfully select and use sources--primary, secondary, and electronic--to carry out and present their research.

Online History Reference

The library has many reference books that could be consulted for historical research. Use the library's catalog to find references useful to your topic. The Gale Ebook collection has several resources that you might wish to consult.

Gale Ebooks: History Collection
A subcollection of Gale Ebooks, these books are reference sources pertaining to historical events and issues.

Other Reference Sources

Here is a sampling of reference materials that could provide general background information on your topic. Some are available online while others are in print.

Dictionary of American Biography by American Council of Learned Societies
Call Number: E176 .D56
Publication Date: 1928-1980
Collection of primary documents, secondary reference sources, and journal articles covering all areas of U.S. history from pre-colonial times to the present day. The DAB records the lives of prominent Americans who died by Dec. 31, 1980.
Dictionary of American History, 3rd ed. by Stanley I. Kutler (Editor)
Call Number: Online
ISBN: 9780684805337
Publication Date: 2002-12-11
"The third edition of this classic and indispensable work, first published in 1940 and last revised in 1976, has been updated completely for a new generation of students and scholars. Recognizing that the ways in which history is understood and interpreted have changed drastically over the past six decades, the editors have revised, replaced, and added over 2,000 new entries. Gender, race, and social-history perspectives have been added to many entries for the first time."--"The Best of the Best Reference Sources," American Libraries, May 2003.
Dictionary of National Biography by Leslie Stephen; Sidney Lee (Editors)
Call Number: REF DA28 .D4
Publication Date: 1908-1960
The standard work of reference on notable figures from British history, published since 1885. The library holds the original 21 volume set and supplements to 1960.
Encyclopedia of Women in American History by Joyce Appleby; Eileen Chang; Neva Goodwin
Call Number: Online
ISBN: 9781317471622
Publication Date: 2015-07-17
This illustrated encyclopedia examines the unique influence and contributions of women in every era of American history, from the colonial period to the present. It not only covers the issues that have had an impact on women, but also traces the influence of women's achievements on society as a whole.
International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences by William A. Darity
Call Number: Online
ISBN: 9780028661179
Publication Date: 2008
Covers scholarship and fields that have emerged and matured since the publication of the original international edition. Highlights the expanding influence of economics in social science research and features articles and biographies on a wide array of global topics in the social sciences.
Encyclopedia of World Environmental History by Shepard Krech; Carolyn Merchant; J. R. McNeill (Editors)
Call Number: REF GF10 .E63 2004 v. 1-3
ISBN: 9780415937320
Publication Date: 2003-10-31
This three-volume set provides not only broad historical coverage on how human beliefs and actions have altered the natural world, but also covers the latest developments in the field. An analysis of natural phenomena and events and their impact on human societies is also included.