19th Century Reformers-U.S. History

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 the 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. 

History Databases 

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

ProQuest’s History Study Center - This 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  Audio clips, digital video clips, historical documents, and digital images comprise the primary source materials.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 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

 SCG’s Thompson online resources- These reference books, published by Thompson Gale, 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.  CAMPUS USE ONLY

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.

Print Sources

  American Social Leaders & Activists   REF 303.484092 H2194a

Encyclopedia of American Religious History  REF 200.973 Q361

International Encyclopedia of Women's Suffrage  REF 324.62303 H2437i

The Complete History of American Slavery  REF 326 C73766m

Great Lives from History: the Nineteenth Century  REF 920.009034 G78689

Witness to America : An Illustrated Documentary...  REF 973 W825a

The Annals of America  REF 973 A6134

Be sure to search the library's online catalog for other print resources on your reformer.  It is easiest to type in your reformers name and click "subject" to bring up biographies on him / her.   If that does not bring any results, then type in the name again, but this time just hit enter.  The catalog will look for resources that contain your person's name in the title, author, or subject field as well as in the notes (table of contents and summary) fields.  Finally, be sure to search by your person's area of reform (religious reform, women's rights, women's suffrage, abolition, anti-slavery, etc.).  

If you need help while writing your Works Cited page, please stop by the library.  Mrs. Allison or Mr. Covington will be happy to help decipher MLA format for you.  Also, check out Knight Cite .  It is a fantastic, free works cited machine.  However, if using Knight Cite, please stop by and have one of the librarians check your final Works Cited page.  Knight Cite is not 100% correct.