All of the UW Libraries databases are available for use within the libraries. I have indicated on this page those databases also available via the King County and Seattle Public libraries. Databases without any icon are freely available on the web.-- must be current student, staff or faculty to access these UW Libraries databases from home. UW users must login using the Off-Campus Access link before using.
-- this database is also available via the King County Library System. You must have a current King County Library card to access these databases from home.
-- this database is also available via the Seattle Public Library. You must have a current Seattle Public Library card to access these databases from home
For research help, please contact Theresa Mudrock, the history librarian, at mudrock@u.washington.edu.
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| Newspapers are a primary source providing a first rough draft of events. Newspapers with its advertising, illustrations and editorials are especially useful in getting a feel for life of the time. 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 microfilmed backfiles of many Washington State newspapers. |
|
| 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. |
|
| In addition to the many books that can be considered secondary sources (analysis or descriptions of the past); the UW Libraries has books that are primary sources -- original accounts written during the time or by participants. These include diaries and letters, memoirs or simply accounts written during the time. |
|
| 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. |
|
| Manuscript material is unique, unpublished material and can include handwritten diaries and letters plus organization material such as meeting minutes or handouts. 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. |
|
| Photographs, drawings and other images provide information you can't always get from a text source. Images can provide details of everyday life such as clothing or architecture. It is important to keep in mind that images are not an unbiased reflection of reality -- the creator of an image chooses what and how to depict a certain scene. |
|
| Maps provide information you can't always get from a text source. Maps symbolize a particular place at a particular time. It is important to keep in mind that maps are not a mirror of reality -- the creator of a map chooses what and how to a certain place within the conventions of the cartography of the times. The Map Library is located in the basement of Suzzallo. |
|
| More and more primary sources are becoming available on the web as museums, universities and other institutions digitize materials. |
|
History Subject Page :: Special Collections :: UW Libraries :: Services for Visitors :: Research 101
25 January 2008
Theresa Mudrock
- mudrock@u.washington.edu