This webpage provides resources to help you find more information on the themes and topics of the course.
Most of the databases on this page are restricted to UW students, staff and faculty. These are marked with a lock
. To connect to these databases from home you will need to first click on the Off-Campus Access button in the upper-right hand corner and login with your UWnetid.
Have questions or need research help? Please contact Theresa Mudrock, the history librarian, via email at mudrock@u.washington.edu
Start Here to Find Background Information
Encyclopedias and other reference sources can provide background information and can be used to identify key people, events and dates which can then be used as search terms for finding additional information. More importantly, because encyclopedias often cover the major issues surrounding the subject, they can help you narrow your research from a broad "who, what, where, when" topic to a "how or why" question. Many also provide a jumpstart on your research by listing related readings.
Two searchable collections of encyclopedias are
- Encyclopedia of the Cold War - Suzzallo Reference D840 .E625 2008
- Encyclopedia of the United States in the twentieth century - Suzzallo Reference E740.7 .E33 1996
- Encyclopedia of U.S. labor and working-class history - Suzzallo Reference HD8066 .A78 2007
- HistoryLink - Washington state history
- Los Angeles A to Z: an encyclopedia of the city and county - Suzzallo Reference F869.L84 P58 1997
- The new encyclopedia of the American West - Suzzallo Reference F591 .N46 1998
- Postwar America - Suzzallo Reference E169.12 .P654 2007
- List of other encyclopedias
Start Here to Find Books
Non-fictional books can provide both an overview and indepth analysis of a topic, event or person. Many books will include footnotes and bibliography that can lead you to other research/writings on the topic.
Book reviews can be useful when evaluating a book or to get a quick synopsis. Use the databases listed under "Finding Academic/Scholarly Articles" to find book reviews.
- UW Libraries Catalog - holdings of the UW Libraries. Best used for known-item searching especially journal titles and ebooks and when you want to find just what is available on campus or in a specific branch of the UW Libraries.
Start Here to Find Academic/Scholarly Articles
Academic articles, those published in scholarly journals, are the bedrock of most academic disciplines. In the field of historical research, they are considered secondary sources. They provide an indepth analysis of narrow topics. Prior to publishing, articles are vetted through a process called peer-review. Most academic articles include footnotes which can lead you to primary sources (and additional secondary sources) on a topic.
To find the actual article (either in print or electronic), use the Check for UW Holdings button available on most databases to locate a copy. If there is no button, search the UW Libraries Catalog for the title of the journal.
Articles from journals which the UW does not own can be requested via Interlibrary loan.
- List of additional history-related databases
Start Here to Find Books that are Primary Sources
In addition to the many books that are secondary sources; the UW Libraries has books that are primary sources. These include books written during the period for your topic (i.e., during the 1960s), books written by participants, published collections of correspondence and other personal writings, memoirs and reprints of primary source material.
Search the UW Libraries Catalog using the following search tactics:
- Limit your search by publication date, i.e., 1970-1979
- Search for books written by key people or organizations.
- Use special subject terms that designate primary sources: personal narratives, diaries, correspondence, interviews, sources
- Example:
civil rights and interviews
- vietnam war and personal narratives
Start Here to Find Newspaper Articles
Newspapers are a primary source providing a first rough draft of events. Since most newspapers are local in scope, there is good coverage of local issues. Newspapers also provide a good feel for the time period.
Most of the older newspapers do not include indexing. Usually you will need to browse through issues of a newspaper to discover its content.
Newspapers can be found in the Microform and Newspaper Collections (mcnews) on the ground of Suzzallo. The best way to check and see if we have a specific newspaper on microfilm is to use the card catalog located in mcnews. For more current newspaper coverage (generally from the late 1980s or early 1990s onward) use the databases linked from the News subject page.
Help: Analyzing Newspapers & Newspapers
- Pacific Northwest Regional Newspaper & Periodical Index - indexes local newspapers back to the late 19th century; only partially online; Special Collections has complete index
- Selected List of Newspapers on Microfilm
- Oregonian - mcnews A145
- San Francisco Chronicle - mcnews A3431
- Seattle Times - mcnews A419
- Seattle PI - mcnews A329
- Tacoma News Tribune - mcnews A3953
- Tri-City Herald 1949-2008 - mcnews A5106
Start Here to Find Magazine Articles
Magazines are similar to newspapers. Popular magazines (news, fashion, sports, etc.) provide a good feel for the period. Unlike newspapers, there is indexing to identify specific articles on topics. Since most magazines are national in scope, there is limited coverage of local topics.
- Google Magazine Search - currently a small collection of fulltext magazines, use Google Book Search and choose "magazines" in the content section; includes Jet, Ebony and New York magazines.
Start Here to Find Government Documents
The UW Libraries has an extensive collection of federal, state and local government documents. These documents are usually primary sources and can include census material, annual reports from governmental agencies and congressional hearings.
Most government material is housed in the Government Publications section on the ground floor of Suzzallo Library. Librarians there can help you find material you need.
- UW Libraries Catalog - includes federal, state and local government documents
Start Here to Find Manuscript Material
Manuscript material is unique, unpublished material and can include handwritten diaries and letters plus organizational material such as meeting minutes or handouts. Manuscript collections can also include clippings, drawings, photographs and other material. Usually it is best to do preliminary research in published material first (secondary and primary) before delving into manuscripts.
Special Collections, located in the basement of Allen Library south, holds the manuscript materials in the UW Libraries. They specialize in collecting material related to local and regional individuals and organizations (e.g., Henry M. Jackson, Mountaineers, Coalition for Quality Integrated Education) as well as the records of the University of Washington.
- UW Libraries Catalog - limit your search to publication type: Archival & MS Collections
- Online Finding Aids - not all finding aids are available online, for others visit Special Collections
- Northwest Digital Archives - searchable listing of manuscript collections at other PNW libraries
- National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections
- King County Archives
- National Archives - Seattle
- Puget Sound Regional Archives - part of the state archives
- Seattle City Archives
- Washington State Archives
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