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*History Research Guide*

Library Resources

Library Databases

Types of Databases: eBooks, articles, images, newspapers, videos, primary sources, statistics

Uses: background information, scholarly sources; popular sources, primary sources

Sort by Subject (History and Political Science) to see a list of the best databases to start with for your history research, or use the Primary Source databases from the Primary/Secondary Sources tab.

Database Search Strategies

Use these strategies to make your database searches more efficient.

  • Search with specific keywords, not questions or sentences.
  • Search 2-3 keywords at a time.
  • Put phrases in quotes to search it as a complete phrase instead of individual words (such as “Missouri Compromise”)

 

Library Catalog

The library catalog can be an efficient way to find books or articles if you're not sure which database to use.

Content: Books, eBooks, videos, articles

Uses: Background information, historical events and perspectives, a comprehensive look at individual historical events.

Print books are located in the library and can be checked out with an MCC library card. eBooks are accessible through our eBook databases and are available at any time without a library card.

Searching the Catalog for eBooks

  1. Enter your keyword(s) in the catalog's search box (example: Missouri Compromise)
  2. When you get your results, limit to Available Online to find eBooks.
  3. Click on the title of the eBook, then click on the name of the database where it's located.

Here's one example of an eBook about the Missouri Compromise: Dividing the Union: Jesse Burgess Thomas and the making of the Missouri Compromise by Matthew W. Hall.