Subject-specific databases
General databases
For additional article databases, see the History database guide.
Library catalogue
Find books in the library catalogue with keywords
Enter your keywords in the search box. Keep the keywords simple. Examples:
Topic: What methods did Africans use to resist slavery?
slavery resistance
slavery resistance united states
Get better results
Our catalogue looks a bit like shopping for your tablet or ipod. You can use the side menu to narrow down your choices.
In this example, for your search on the topic of resistance to slavery, you could choose a library like Robarts or focus your subject, choosing the United States for example. Choose +More for additional subjects.
For e-books, you can also click on online at the top of the page underneath Refine your search. For history, being able to choose your language can be very helpful.
If you want to see the most recent books at the top right, choose sort and then the down arrow next to publication date.
How to find a book in the library
1. Look up the title in the library catalogue. Note the call number, for example, E76.7 .K68 2009
2. Enter the elevators on the 1st floor of Robarts Library.
The books at Robarts are on the 9th to 13th floor. The Robarts Library Stack Guide tells you which call numbers are on which floor, according to the first letter or letters. In this case, E is on the 10th floor, with most other history books.
3. Once you are on the floor, find the section with the correct letters. Then work your way through each line of the call number.
4. To sign out your book, take it back to the 1st floor and use one of the automatic machines. If you need help, ask at the loan services desk.
What is a primary source?
Primary sources provide first-hand testimony or direct evidence concerning a topic under investigation.
They are created by witnesses or recorders who experienced the events or conditions being documented.
From: "Primary sources at Yale"
What kinds of things can be primary sources?
Think about what kinds of primary sources might be related to your topic:
| letters | newspapers | pamphlets |
| interviews | reports | maps |
| diaries | government documents | film |
| memoirs | institutional records | photographs |
Four ways to find primary sources:
1. Start with what you already have to uncover references to primary sources. Consult your:
They can also help you identify relevant historical figures, authors, or keywords for searching library database
2. Use the library catalogue to find books and other materials
Combine keywords for different kinds of primary sources with keywords for your topic to find them in the library catalogue.
Examples:
reformation sources
world war 1914 correspondence
national socialism documents
Primary source keywords
| documents | sources | texts | diaries |
| correspondence | pamphlets | personal narratives | interviews |
3. Use reliable online primary source collections
4. Check the Government Information Research Guides
Online text collections of primary sources
Government Information
See the government information research guides below for more information:
You may start with a Wikipedia or a commercial website to get basic familiarity with a concept - but don't stop there.
Credible, appropriate sources will add great value to your conceptual design. How do you evaluate credibility? Follow the guidelines provided by your course instructors. So keep in mind RADAR (Rationale, Authority, Date, Accuracy, and Relevance) when researching:
Adapted from: Mandalios, J. (2013). RADAR: An approach for helping students evaluate Internet sources. Journal of Information Science, 39(4), 470–478,
Writing help
Research tips
We can help you find sources about a topic, locate a specific book or article, and use library research tools effectively.
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