HIST 1130 U..S. History to 1865 - Professor Dusik: Introduction

This guide contains information you'll need for using the COD Library resources.  

If you need additional help, please contact the History Librarian or stop by the Reference Desk. You can also contact a Reference Librarian online: Ask A Librarian.

Image: Revolutionary War 1775-1783 (American War of Independence): 'Washington at Valley Forge', Pennsylvania, l December 1777 the site he chose for the winter quarters of the (American) Continental Army. After painting by Edward P Moran (1862-1935). . Photography. Britannica ImageQuest, Encyclopædia Britannica, 25 May 2016. quest.eb.com/images/300_2293483. Accessed 12 Mar 2025.

• Library Website

• SIFT 

• Finding sources

• Library Tour

(Suggested) Steps for conducting research in History.  

There are many entry points in joining a conversation about history.  You might find a book, article, film, a primary source, something from a text book - all of these sources can provide a point of entry into a topic.  But first, you need to find your topic!

If you need an introduction to, or background information on, a topic

If you already have a vague idea about your topic, for example, the Founding Fathers, you'll want to do some preliminary search for background information.  

Background Information - Searching

Encyclopedias are often your best friend for getting background information on a topic.

• Use encyclopedias available from the COD Library, such as Credo and Encyclopedia Britannica,  These are EXCELLENT sources that are written by scholars with academic credentials.  For example, in Credo I learned that the interpretation of the founding fathers views on religion is controversial, with leaders of the "religious right" holding that the Nation was built on the need for a "friendly relationship between government and religion," whereas progressives see this view as being simplistic, noting that the U.S. Constitution does not mention God.  
• Search Wikipedia -  While this site can be updated by anyone, it can be useful to find ideas related to your topic.  
• Books - search the COD Library for books that give an overview of your topic.  

Resources for your paper

Once you have some background on your topic, then start to gather resources for your paper or presentation.  In searching for secondary sources, use the COD Library to find articles and books on your specific topic.  

Suggested resources include:

• JSTOR - an archive of scholarly articles only on nearly every academic discipline 
• Academic Search Ultimate - another multi-disciplinary database that has both scholarly and popular articles, including newspaper articles, and some multi-media sources
• Library catalog - find books and video related to your topic