New History Databases

Do you have a history research assignment this semester? If so, then the library is the place for you. We have a wealth of reliable sources that will make your professor very happy when you use them to support your research papers and projects. Over the past few months, the Dick Smith Library has added a large number of new databases to its collection. Including several that provide historical information.

• Do you need to find information about a notable person from the past? Then check out the Biography in Context database. It provides articles from scholarly journals, magazines, and newspapers, in addition to videos, audio recordings, images, and more.

Screenshot from the Biography in Context database. The top portion of the entry for Rosa Parks.

• Do you need to find primary documents about the Civil Right Movement? Then you must spend some time searching through the information available in the Race Relations in America database. 

Screenshot from the Race Relations in America database showing just 8 of the 26 types of documents it has available.

• Are you researching the history of slavery? Slavery in America and the World contains a wealth of both legal information and primary source documents relevant to the history of slavery in the United States and other English-speaking countries. 

Screenshot from the Slavery in America and the World database showing some of the periodicals it contains. 

• Do you need to find scholarly journal articles or primary sources for a US or world history topic. Then take a look at the US History Collection and US History in Context databases or the World History Collection and World History in Context databases. The "Collections" databases contain mostly scholarly journal articles, whereas the "in Context" databases contain primary source documents. 

Screenshot of the homepage of the US.History in Context database. 

If you want to see a complete list of our history-related databases, along with other library resources for history, then check out our History subject guide page: https://www.tarleton.edu/library/research/subject-guides/history.html. 

Contact us at 254-968-9249 or reference@tarleton.edu if you need assistance with these or any other library resource. 

What to do if you don't know which database to use

If you need to find an article but aren't sure which library database to use, you have several options. Here are a few of them:

• Ask for help. Librarians at the reference desk can help you find what you're looking for, or at least get you on the right path. You can also call (254-968-9249) or ask for help via our "Ask a Librarian" form.
• Try Discovery. Discovery searches most of the library's databases and can be a big help if you're not sure where to start. 

• Try one of the databases on the appropriate "Research Guides by subject" page. These pages include lists of the best databases for whichever subject you choose.

Black History Month

February is Black History Month, so to celebrate the library is spotlighting a Research Guide and Selected Internet links. 

These pages are featured on the news and events section of the library website.   Stop by and take a look...and if you have a suggestion for a link or a topic to feature, post a comment and share!