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  Audio clips, digital video clips, historical documents, and digital images comprise the primary source materials.   Helpful search term: "eighteenth century European society"

 

ProQuest’s SIRS Renaissance - provides secondary and primary source information on architecture, culture, literature, music, performing arts, philosophy, religion, and the visual arts. Helpful search term: "Eighteenth Century "

 

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, 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

 

Try searching the following subject headings in Alexandria and SGC databases: "Recreation," "Social life and customs--18th century," "Eighteenth century," "Food habits," and "Enlightenment."