It is usually best to begin your search for historical information by using reference sources related to your specific area of interest, for example, the An Encyclopedia of American Women at War: From the Home Front to the Battlefields. Search the library catalog by subject (United States History) or use a database like American History Online to find reference sources on your subject.
Primary sources include journals, narratives, diaries and other personal accounts. If you are searching the library catalog or an on-line database, enter words like journal, autobiography or personal account in the search window. American History Online and Library of Congress’ American Memory website provide links and digital reproductions of many primary resources. You can also find lists of websites with primary sources relevant to a specific area of interest on the History Subject Pages and at the History Program’s Resources for Faculty and Students. Don’t forget! Newspapers are a good source of contemporary information. Use the A-Z resource list to find indexes to newspapers.
Looking for information about the author? The library has books on a number of historians and you can find these books by searching the catalog. Use a subject search and enter the author’s last name in the search window. You’ll also find sources online. The A-Z resource list includes a number of titles: Literary Reference Center and Bloom's Literature. Librarians can assist you with finding print sources such as American Historians 1866-1912 or Twentieth Century American Historians.
Has your instructor asked you to find a review on a specific book? Check the date your book was published. This will give you an idea of the best source for information.
For help with specific aspects of research and writing, use our Study Guides.
Careers for History Buffs and Others Who Learn from the Past by Is there a title you think would make a good addition to the Library Collection? Fill out the appropriate form linked above and let me know!
The Center for Government and Civic Service would like to invite you to participate in their upcoming Civic Leadership Simulation at ACC Rio Grande: Building 3000. At the event, you will have the opportunity to play a role to build and enhance communication and problem-solving skills relevant to civic engagement and leadership.
"A citywide health alert was issue today as local and federal officials confirmed that a genetically modified plant, developed by Austin-based biotech company GeneSys Innovations, has been linked to a rapidly spreading outbreak of a new disease. The plant, known as "Luxflora," was originally celebrated for its vibrant, glowing foliage but is now at the center of a growing health crisis. The disease, tentatively named "Virescenia," has been reported to cause severe respiratory and dermatological symptoms. Advanced cases involve growth of plant-like formations sprouting from the skin and in severe situations sprouting inside the victim's body. The disease has affected over 5,000 people in the greater Austin metropolitan area, with the greatest concentration of victims occurring in affluent areas where the plants were popular and citizens able to afford to purchase them.
To prevent panic from striking the city, local, state and federal officials will host a public meeting to inform attendees, including individual citizens, citizen groups, and the media concerning measures the government will take to prevent the spread of the disease and assist those affected by the outbreak. Many have wondered about the true nature of the disease, and are doubtful about the government's ability to manage the emerging epidemic. This meeting will be pivotal in either generating a more unified public and government response or in seeing the situation spiral out of control.
Where: ACC Rio Grande: Building 3000 - 1218 West Avenue.
When: November 22nd, 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm
No experience needed! We are committed to making this a fun and positive learning experience that enables and empowers participants to more effectively represent themselves and their communities in government and civic settings. If you interested, just fill out the following questions and register:
Fill out this online IL request form and a librarian will contact you!