LibGuides: History: Colorado History

Getting Started

Basic steps in the research process:

Identify and develop your topic
Do a preliminary search for information covering your topic
Locate primary and secondary sources
Evaluate the quality and authority of the scholarly resources you plan to reference
Consult the resources you have chosen and take detailed notes
Create an outline for your paper using the information you have collected
Cite all of your sources properly (check out the citation page on this guide for help)
Write your research paper
Proofread and edit your research paper

How to Write a History Research Paper
A guide to picking a topic, finding resources, and bringing all your research together into a paper. This information is provided by Carleton College.

Brainstorm your ideas or create an outline for your paper!

MindMup
MindMup is an easy-to-use, web-based mind-mapping software that requires no sign-up for users. It enables users to save files online, share them with others, or export them to other mediums.To begin using MindMup, click the link above and you will be taken directly to the software’s website. Next, click on "get started," then "create a new map."

Books at the library!

A Colorado History by Maxine Benson-Cook; Duane A. Smith; Carl Ubbelohde
Call Number: 978.8 UBBE
ISBN: 9780871083241
Publication Date: 2015-12-08
It Happened in Colorado by James A. Crutchfield
Call Number: 978.8 CRUT 2017
ISBN: 9781493023516
Publication Date: 2016-12-01
Exploring the Old North End Neighborhood of Colorado Springs by Jennifer Wendler Lovell; Robert D. Loevy
Call Number: 978.856 L899E
ISBN: 9780615444307
Publication Date: 2011-05-14
Pine Valley by Hester-Jane Cogswell
Call Number: 978.856
ISBN: 9781450289245
Publication Date: 2011-09-08
The Pine Valley house, its history, inhabitants, neighbors, and the community involvement of those people give a unique and almost time-lapse view of the history of Colorado Springs and the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Online Resources

Resources at the 1905 Carnegie Library, in downtown Colorado Springs.

Regional History and Genealogy
Regional history and genealogy collections at Pikes Peak Library District are held by Special Collections in the 1905 Carnegie Library.

Recommended Websites:

History Colorado
"Established in 1879, History Colorado is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and an agency of the State of Colorado under the Department of Higher Education. They offer access to cultural and heritage resources. Includes homework help, games, biographies, activities, etc."
Atlas of Historical County Boundaries
Find state and national data on historical county maps.
Colorado State Archives
"The Colorado State Archives collects, preserves, and provides access to the State's historic and legal records. The Colorado State Archive also provides best practices and guidelines for the administration of government created records."
Denver Public Library Western History Digital Photography Collection
Digital collections include Western History, Colorado History, Auraria Library, and Creating Communities.
Colorado Springs History & Heritage
Historical sites, information, and resources.
Pioneers Museum

Evaluating Web Resources

Anyone can publish a webpage without it being evaluated for accuracy or quality of information. Reviews by peers, scholars, editors, and publishers are not often applied to websites. The following evaluation criteria should be applied when viewing a website:

Authorship. Is the author identified? What are the author's credentials? For example, does the site include the author's position and institutional or organizational affiliation? Is the URL for an educational institution (.edu) or government agency (.gov)?
Accuracy. Can the data be verified from other sources? Does the author have an obvious bias? Check the facts.
Audience. Is the site intended for scholars, professionals, or students?
Currency. Does the website include the date it was created and/or updated? Are the links current?
Coverage. Does the site state its intended scope? Is it designed to cover an entire subject, or to give detailed information on one aspect?
Relative Value. How does it compare to other sources of similar information? Are there other more accurate or complete sources - possibly in print format or a library database? Even with all of the useful information online, sometimes the most reliable resources are print books on the shelf at the library.

For additional information, check out the link below. This source offers detailed criteria that can be applied when conducting research on the internet.

Dalhousie University Criteria for Websites