LibGuides: History: U.S. 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!

U. S. History 101 by Kathleen Sears
Call Number: 973 SEAR
ISBN: 9781440586484
Publication Date: 2015-01-02
A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn
Call Number: 973 ZINN
ISBN: 9780062397348
Publication Date: 2015-11-17
AP U. S. History 2017-2018 by Krista Dornbush
Call Number: 973.076 DORN 2017-18
ISBN: 9781506224688
Publication Date: 2017-02-07

Online Resources

Databases:

Dictionary of American History
Serves students, scholars, and general readers interested in a wide range of topics in American history.
(U.S.) History in Context
Covers themes, events, individuals and periods in U.S. history from pre-Colonial times to the present.
History Reference Center
Features full text for more than 1,990 reference books, encyclopedias and non-fiction books; full text for 200+ history periodicals; nearly 57,000 historical documents and much more.

Recommended Websites:

U.S. Census Bureau Statistical Abstracts - History
"The Statistical Abstract of the United States has been published since 1878. It is the authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States. Sources of data include the Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and many other federal agencies and private organizations."
American Fact Finder
"American FactFinder provides access to data about the United States, Puerto Rico and the Island Areas. The data in American FactFinder come from several censuses and surveys."
Library of Congress American Memory
Documents relating to American history and creativity, including written documents, spoken-word recordings, still and moving images, prints, maps, sheet music and musical recordings.
The American Presidency Project
More than 103,000 documents related to the study of the Presidency.
Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media
List of links to digital libraries and archives on topics in U.S. history.
Famous Speeches in History
Online audio recordings of historical speeches.
Immigration History Research Center
List of links to documents related to U.S. immigration and refugee life, and research on international migration, including personal papers of immigrants and others in their community, government records, publications and other research. Maintained by the University of Minnesota.
National Archives
Links to resources available through the U.S. National Archive.

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