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History: Online Research

Your guide to History resources in Lancaster University Library

The Academic Landscape

Carta Marina et descriptio septemtrionalium terrarum [...] Olaus Magnus, 1539, Uppsala University Library 

There is so much out there to help you with your studies - the challenge lies in finding what you need, and evaluating the quality of sources amidst the huge array of materials available online. This can sometimes feel a bit like sailing into the unknown - but there are some strategies you can employ to help you navigate, including where you start your search.

Resource Spotlight: Primary Source Collections

Resource Spotlight: Cambridge Histories Online

How do I know if a source is suitable?

  • It should be up-to-date (current)
  • It should be relevant for your research
  • The author should be an authority on the subject - are they reputable and trusted in their field?
  • The sources they have quoted should be clear, unbiased and easy to find
  • What is the intended purpose of the source? Can you trust it?

Where do I look?

As well as searching Onesearch, you might also want to target your search to more specific databases or primary source collections. A key skill in conducting research is being able to filter information effectively, and depending on your information need, you might approach how you begin your search differently (this is where discussing with a librarian can come in handy!)

  • There is a full A-Z list here of all the Library's subscription materials, including newspapers, which can be filtered by subject, or by database type.
  • Using Google Scholar, when it's linked to our library catalogue [link to 'how-to'], is a good way to survey what resources are available (and if you identify something you need, you can request it if we don't already have it).
  • You might be looking for a specific source, or within a particular time period - in which case browsing the primary source collections may be a good starting point - or you could just start with one, such as Gale or AM Explorer.

What if I find something that isn't free to access?

Don't pay any charges for articles or other subscription fees without first checking with us! We can most likely obtain what you need:

Request a resource here

Finding books and articles

You can search the Library collections with Onesearch - but be aware not everything we have access to is available via the Library catalogue. You can also search specialist subject databases, and Google Scholar - if you find articles that you can't access without paying for them, you can request the article here.

Google Scholar

Google Scholar is a search engine that indexes the content of scholarly material published on the Web and in electronic books and journals.

Google Scholar Search

Finding and using ebooks

How do I find an ebook?

All ebooks are in OneSearch, and are linked to your reading list in Moodle if available. You can also search for ebooks within these large ebook Collections

Can I read an ebook if someone else is reading it?

Most ebooks allow more than one person to read them at the same time. Some ebooks do limit the number of simultaneous users and you may be prompted to try again later.

What devices can I use to access an ebook?

Any computer, ereader, mobile device, tablet or smartphone that has wi-fi or network capabilities and a web browser can access our ebooks online. These include:

  • Mac, PC workstation and laptop computers
  • iPads, Samsung Galaxy and other tablets
  • Tablet readers like the KindleFire

What is a primary source?

What is a "library database"?

A database is an organised collection of information, often searchable in different ways. Many of our databases allow you to search hundreds of different journals and books at the same time to find out what has been published on a topic, and some more specialist databases give access to particular types of information and resources - the library pays annual subscription fees for access to this.

Some of the kinds of things you might find in our databases include:

  • Articles from electronic journals
  • Primary sources
  • Ebooks
  • Statistics and datasets
  • Theses and dissertations
  • Government publications
  • Newspaper articles
  • Maps

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