American History Pathfinder

The purpose of this pathfinder is to introduce some of the resources available in Houston Cole Library on AMERICAN HISTORY.  The various types of library materials useful for research are described along with some examples of each type. This pathfinder is NOT a comprehensive listing of sources, but is intended to be a starting point from which patrons can begin their research according to their specific needs.

BASIC INTRODUCTION OR OVERVIEW MATERIAL can be found in:
REF.  E174 .A43 1976  Dictionary of American History.

SUBJECT HEADINGS can be identified by using the Library of Congress Subject Headings located at the Information Desk on each floor. Books on American History can be located in the Library Catalog by entering a subject search using the term United States History. Books can be located in the Library Catalog by clicking on "Author/Title/Subject" search type. Then click on the "Subject" button.  Last, type in your subject and press the enter key.

Suggested subject headings for this topic are: United States History

Related headings include: United States History—1783-1865
                                            United States History – 1865-1898
                                            United States History –1901-1953

REFERENCE TOOLS

ENCYCLOPEDIAS AND DICTIONARIES -- provide brief definitions or concise overviews of the topic, often followed by lists of further references.
REF. E174.R43 1991   Readers Companion to American History.
REF. F207.7 .E52   Encyclopedia of Southern History
REF. F209. E53 1989   Encyclopedia of Southern Culture
REF. E176.A5315X 1999   American National Biography
REF. E176 .D56   Dictionary of American Biography
REF. E185.96 .N68   Notable Black American Women
REF. E185.86 .N68   Notable Black American Men

HANDBOOKS AND MANUALS --cover broad subjects in a brief, concise manner and may include odd bits of
information about a variety of topics (They may also be referred to as a compendium).
REF. E174.R43 1991  Readers Companion to American History.

JOURNALS

Journals held by the library can be identified by consulting the Library Catalog by searching under the journal name. Journal Titles on American History can be located in the Library Catalog by clicking on Author/Title/Subject search type.  Then click on the "Journal Title" button.  Last, type in your journal title and press the enter key.

Use these Electronic Database America:  History and Life  to locate JOURNAL ARTICLES and other papers on American History.  The two general databases, Expanded Academic and Academic Search Elite may be used to find articles in full text.

NEWSPAPERS
Newspapers are located on the second floor in the microfilm section.
The following indexes may be helpful in locating articles on specific subjects:

The New York Times Index  1851-2002   REF. AI21 .N44
Personal Name Index to “The New York Times Index,” 1851-1974    REF. CT 104 .F28 1976
Personal Name Index to “The New York Times Index,” 1975-1996    REF. CT 104 .F28 1998
The New York Times Obituaries Index
v. 1  1858-1968
v. 2  1969-1978
REF. CT213 .N47
Index to the Birmingham News and the Birmingham Post Herald
1975, 1978-1996
Microfiche  AI21 .B57x
The Atlanta Journal, the Atlanta Constitution Index  1983-2002
REF. AI21 .A872

WEB SITES

Browse a list of American History related Web sites selected by subject librarians at Houston Cole Library.

INTERLIBRARY LOAN services are available to graduate students and faculty. Please ask a librarian about these services.

Subject(s): American History
 

Revised 7/02: LLC