Most of the databases linked from this page are restricted to UW students, staff and faculty. 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.
For research help, please contact Theresa Mudrock, the history librarian, at mudrock@u.washington.edu.
| Encyclopedias 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. |
 Gale Virtual Reference and Oxford Reference Online.
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| 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 "Academic Articles" to find book reviews. |
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| 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 articles include footnotes which can lead you to other material on a topic. |
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| In addition to the many books that can be considered 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 1930s), books written by participants, published collections of correspondence and other personal writings, memoirs and reprints of primary source material. Most of the material dealing with the Pacific Northwest, both published and unpublished, is kept in Special Collections. |
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| 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. Most of the older newspapers do not include indexing. Usually you will need to browse through issues of a newspaper to discover its content. The Microform and Newspaper Collections on the ground floor of Suzzallo library has a strong collection of local newspapers. Help: Analyzing Newspapers & Newspapers |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| Manuscript material is unique, unpublished material and can include diaries and letters plus organizational material such as meeting minutes. 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. See Comprehensive guide to the manuscripts collection and to the personal papers in the University archives for a partial listing of the available collections (Suzzallo Reference & Special Collections Z6621 .W37 1980). |
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History Subject Page :: Special Collections :: Chicago Style Guide
Theresa Mudrock
- mudrock@u.washington.edu
