Research Resources: Class Guides

AMS 350: Studying America

Researching in Libraries:

• Library Catalog: Books, DVDs, CDs, etc. Primary, secondary and tertiary sources.
  • To find reference/tertiary sources:
    • Limit catalog search by Location: Ref Area
    • Visit the library web site's A to Z List and look for the ;--e.g., ANB/ American National Biography, Credo Reference, Oxford Reference, Statistical Abstract of the U.S., Statistical Universe, etc.

  • To search the catalog for American Studies related sources:
    • Combine simple topic language with subject headings:

      Word or phrase: economic and class and Subject: "united states"

    • Library of Congress Subject Heading language for American Studies related content:
      • america
      • "united states"

  • To find sources often considered primary,through the Library Catalog:
    • Perform a "word" or "subject" search combining your topic language with format type:

      astronauts and interviews

    • Library of Congress Subject Heading language for primary source formats: Diaries, Interviews, Personal narrative, Sources, Maps Correspondence, Manuscripts, Statistics, Speeches, Surveys, Autobiographies

  • If item not available @ F&M: use E-Z Borrow [ILL=back-up]

• WorldCat: Functions similarly to the F&M Library Catalog
  • If item not available @ F&M: use E-Z Borrow [ILL=back-up]

• Indexes feature citation data for journal/newspaper/periodical articles.
  • To search indexes visit the web site's: A to Z List or By Subject: American Studies

  • Indexes @ F&M with American Studies related content:
    • Accessible Archives, 18th & 19th c. periodicals
    • America: History & Life
    • American Broadsides and Ephemera
    • American Factfinder
    • America's Historical Newspapers
    • Archives USA, a directory
    • HarpWeek: The Civil War Era, 1857-1877
    • JStor: Disciplines: African American Studies AND American Indian Studies
    • Legal Research
    • Project Muse: American Studies

  • Indexes @ F&M with International Scope: include "united states" in search:
    • contemporary Women's Issues
    • EconLit
    • PAIS International (Public Affairs)
    • Religion Index
    • Social Sciences
    • Sociological Abstracts

  • If item not available @ F&M: use Interlibrary Loan

• Books/Monographs: by LC call number

• Articles: by format, as indicated via "Journals-search our catalog of print and online journals"
  • Current/Active subscription = Periodicals Room, 1st floor
  • "Bound" = Ground floor, south
  • Microform (film/fiche) = 1st floor, behind Ref Desk
  • Full-Text, Digital = by library subscription, free if available

Additional Help

Last updated: 3/08 ls/jb