Introduction & Reference Sources - HSS 300 - 1920s & 1930s in the US

Quick Links

Databases: A to Z The complete list of databases available to you through the OWHL. To search for History specific databases click the "All Subjects" dropdown and select "History and Social Science."
Library Catalog Search items at Phillips Academy or broaden your search to include items offered to you by the NOBLE network.
NoodleTools Helps you stay organized and create citations

Full Text Finder This link opens in a new window This resource allows you to search for specific journal titles in the OWHL's collection and see which databases have the full text articles.

Reference Universe - Find Books in Garver

Reference Universe This link opens in a new window
Reference Universe searches the indices of reference works at the Garver Room. It provides researchers with the most reliable introductions to your research topic, simplifying the process of finding just the right book or journal article.

Reference Databases

Infobase African American History Online This link opens in a new window
This source features thousands of reference articles, covering the entire spectrum of African-American history over the past 500 years. Some primary sources may also be found here.
Oxford African American Studies Center This link opens in a new window
This comprehensive collection of scholarship focuses on the lives and events which have shaped African American and African history and culture. It includes reference articles, biographies, and primary sources.
Infobase American History This link opens in a new window
This source features thousands of reference articles on American political, military, social, and cultural history over the past 500 years. Some primary sources may also be found here.
Infobase American Indian History This link opens in a new window
This source provides reference articles on over 15,000 years of Native American culture and history, and includes biographies, legends, treaties, and more. Some primary sources are included.
Gale in Context: Biography This link opens in a new window
This database provides biographical reference articles on more than 650,000 international figures from all times periods and areas of study. It will also link you to relevant popular and scholarly press articles.
Britannica Academic This link opens in a new window
Reference articles from one of the oldest and most trusted reference sources in the world.
ABC_CLIO Daily Life Through History (Academic Edition) This link opens in a new window
This comprehensive collection of primary and reference sources provides direct insight into the social history of societies ranging from the Australian Aborigines all the way to 21st-century China.
Infobase Issues & Controversies in History This link opens in a new window
This database use primary sources to analyze great conflicts in U.S. and World along with in-depth secondary source articles on historical events. It also provides each issue with its background information and its pro/con arguments.
Reference Universe This link opens in a new window
Reference Universe searches the indices of reference works at the Garver Room. It provides researchers with the most reliable introductions to your research topic, simplifying the process of finding just the right book or journal article.
Gale in Context: U.S. History This link opens in a new window
This database provides reference and secondary source information on hundreds of the most significant people, events and topics in U.S. History.

Welcome!

Welcome to the 1920's and 1930's OWHL Guide.

Click on a tab above to see all of the relevant sources that are available for this assignment.

Begin by making a list of broad non-history topics that interest you. These could be such things as architecture, sports, fashion, film, music, literature, law, religion, science, etc. Think about how one or two of these areas can be linked to an event in US history

Once you find a broad research area you are interested in, it is time to read an overview so that you can narrow your topic and develop a thesis statement.

If you have any questions, please see a librarian at the reference desk!

Right: Radio Equipment for Sale. University of South Florida. Burgert Brothers Collection.

Reference Sources

Reference sources give you an overview of your topic. They help you identify alternate key words that will aid you in searching the online catalog and various electronic databases. Also, reference sources often include bibliographies that give suggestions for further reading, which can include books, articles and/or websites. The reference sources listed below are only examples of the books that can be found in the Garver Room (silent study room), there are hundreds of more reference books available.

There is an online resource that can help you find reference books, Reference Universe. Use broad terms like "Women World War II" to get the best results.