The Process

Good historical research begins like any other project that requires information gathering-the first step is to spend a bit of time thinking about your topic.  Since many history students have at least read a few pages in their textbook about their research topic, they should have a solid understanding of the basics that comprise their subject.  If you haven’t read some basic facts on your subject matter, then please take a moment and read at least one reputable general encyclopedia article (NOT Wikipedia!) from an evaluated encyclopedia, like Britannica Online or either the online or print version of the World Book Encyclopedia (REF 031 W92722 2006).  Without knowledge of these basic keywords, it will be near impossible to find useful electronic resources from online databases.  This is simply because the words and phrases database providers choose to index information under may not be the same word (or words) as your topic.  Therefore, the more ways you have of describing your topic, the better your chances are of uncovering useful database information. 

The McClain Library has access to several online databases geared specifically for history students.  Be sure to check with the librarians if you need username and password information for off-campus access.

JSTOR - The database provides access to full-text articles from refereed, academic journals.  JSTOR offers both multidisciplinary and discipline-specific collections.

ProQuest’s History Study Center -  The database provides only historical information.  Secondary sources include sections from reference sources, academic journals, and study units.  Audio clips, digital video clips, historical documents, and digital images comprise the primary source materials.   Around 500 articles from ProQuest are indexed in the library’s online catalog, so you can begin your search on Alexandria and click the imbedded link provided in the full item record. 

Facts On File's African-American History Online - The database provides expansive and in-depth information on the people, events, and topics important to the study of African-American history.

Facts On File's Ancient and Medieval History Online - The database provides thorough coverage of eight civilizations-ancient Egypt, ancient Mesopotamia, ancient Greece, ancient Rome, ancient and medieval Africa, medieval Europe, the Americas, and ancient and medieval Asia.  

Facts on File's American History Online -  The database spans more than 500 years of political, military, social, and cultural history, highlighting the important people and events of the American experience.

e-reference Books

 Memphis Public Library - MPLIC allows public access to several electronic reference books published by Thompson Gale.  Among these are American Revolution Reference Library, Dictionary of American History, Gale Encyclopedia of U.S. Economic History, History Resource Center, U*X*L American Decades, Witchcraft in America, and World War II Reference Library.

 SCG’s Thompson Gale online resources- These reference books, published by Thompson, offer SGC students full-text information from the Encyclopedia of World Biography, American Decades, the Encyclopedia of Philosophy, and the Encyclopedia of Religion.   These e-books supply the same information as these duplicate titles in print format.