This guide is intended as a point to departure for research in history. You will find information on the stages of research and when it is appropriate to use which type of source - as well as recommended databases.
If you encounter any problems or just want help navigating the wide array of historical resources offered by BGSU, please do not hesitate to reach out to a librarian.
Knowing basic information about your topic is the first step of any history project. Encyclopedias and historical dictionaries are great places to start.
Most databases allow users to limit their search to only "scholarly articles" by clicking a corresponding box. This option does a reasonably good job of limiting your results to high-quality, academic articles.
Newspapers are a rich source of historical context. They not only give insight in to major national and international events, but they provide context for the daily lives of historical actors.
The full text of hundreds of U.S. newspapers from more than 35 states published by African Americans, dating from 1827 to 1998.
Coverage: 1827-1898
Primary Sources are vital components to rich historical scholarship, but for new historians, finding them can be challenging. Use these resources to help guide your exploration.
The Accessible Archives collection within History Commons includes text primary sources from 18th and 19th century America, mainly newspapers, including the Pennsylvania Gazette, the Virginia Gazette, Godey's Lady's Book, Frederick Douglass Paper, a collection of South Carolina Newspapers, and a collection of African American newspapers
Citing your sources is a vital part of the academic process that signals academic Integrity and scholarly respect. Chicago style is the preferred citation style for the discipline of history.
Although Chicago is preferred, your instructor may allow you to also use APA or MLA.
Be sure to ask your professor which citation style is required for the course or check your course syllabus.
OWL Purdue is also a great resources that has information about all three styles in easy to use guides.