History 202: A Guide to Research: Finding Secondary Sources

When you find a book, article, or other publication that is relevant to your topic, ALWAYS check the bibliography for citations to more useful sources and then ask a librarian for help locating them.

**Give yourself enough time**

• Always start with what is at PA when searching for your topic.
• If you come up empty, search the NOBLE network and then ComCat.
• ComCat, look for items with multiple copies available and be sure it is not an e-book.
  • Leave the “Note” field blank
• Place holds on more than one relevant title. Although a book may sound perfect, you cannot accurately judge a book by its title.
• Be sure the books you request are age appropriate—a juvenile/children’s book will not help you with your paper.
• Use WorldCat only if you have a specific title in mind you need
  • When searching WorldCat, look at the list of libraries who own the book you're after. You're more likely to receive it if it (and more quickly) if it is in MA or New England states. 

 **What you need to make a request**

Stop by the Library Welcome Desk or send an email to owhlibrary@andover.edu if you have any questions or get stuck.

Print Books & Resources

Type your topic into the search below to see if the library has books on your topic. Often, we can get books from other libraries about your topic as well, so come talk to a librarian at the desk!

E-Book Databases

**In Noodleools, answer the questions like this for the correct citation form:  "Where is it?" > Database; "What is it?" > Book

Articles - Top Databases

**In Noodleools, answer the questions like this for the correct citation form:  "Where is it?" > Database; "What is it?" >  Journal

Digitized Book & Journal Websites

**In Noodleools, answer the questions like this for the correct citation form:  "Where is it?" > Website; "What is it?" > Book