History Resources

Created by Stacy Kitsis, Library Teacher, Arlington High School. Last updated: January 5, 2019.

Note: All database passwords are available online (must be logged on to school email to view) and from library staff.

Featured Resource: History E-Books!

We have several GREAT history titles available as multi-user e-books in two platforms, take a look!

- History e-Books from GVRL

History e-Books from Destiny Discover

American Decades are Digital

We have the American Decades reference books in e-book format! From off-campus use our database passwords for access.

Tip: To see the entire 20th century, click on American Decades 2001 and then select your volume from the drop-down menu at the top right of the screen.

Subscription Databases

Passwords available from Media Center staff or online (authorized users only). Gale databases use geolocation and do not require a password.

Background Research:

- Encyclopaedia Britannica School Edition
- General encyclopedias can be great for early background research, but are often not considered appropriate final sources for in-depth research. Check with your teacher when using this source.

Biography:

Biography in Context (Gale)

American History:

- American History Online (Facts on File)
- U.S. History in Context (Gale)
- Gale Virtual Reference Library (Gale)
- This collection of e-books includes the American Decades Primary Sources series, an excellent resource for 20th century United States history.

World History and Geography:

World History in Context (Gale)
- Modern World History Online (Facts on File)
- Ancient and Medieval History Online (Facts on File)
- World Geography and Culture Online (Facts on File)

Current Events and World Issues:

Global Issues in Context (Gale)
Opposing Viewpoints in Context (Gale)
Issues and Controversies (Facts on File)

Article Databases:

- Academic OneFile (Gale)
- Source of peer-reviewed, scholarly articles, great for in-depth research. Also includes the New York Times from 1995 to the present.
- JSTOR (requires a BPL eCard number)
- Scholarly journals from JSTOR can be another source for more detailed research projects. Most journals here do not have coverage for the past three to five years.

Further Reading:

Finding Old Newspaper Articles (excerpt from Web Literacy for Student Fact-Checkers)

SCOTUS

Researching a Supreme Court case?

Try these tips:

- We have really good print materials on these topics! They are mostly in the 340s. Search the online catalog or ask the librarian for help.

Remember that "versus" can be written as "versus," "v," or "vs." For best results, do a simple keyword search. For example, type Loving and Virginia instead of Loving v. Virginia, etc.
Start with our United States history databases, U.S. History in Context and American History Online for strong introductions, and don't forget the Gale Virtual Reference Library for reference e-books.

Favorite websites that can help:

- We the Students: Supreme Court Cases For and About Students (e-book)
- Multi-user Follett e-book. Get the passwords online.
- Oyez, Oyez, Oh Yay (State Bar of Texas)
- Explore landmark Supreme Court cases with this fun and informative site designed for students.