Welcome
This guide brings together key library and online resources for studying history. Use the tabs to find scholarly journal articles, books and ebooks, primary sources, maps, and archival materials.
Whether you’re exploring a new topic or conducting in-depth historical research, this guide will help you locate reliable sources and build a strong foundation for your work.
Esearch: Your One-Stop Search Tool
Esearch lets you search across books, journal articles, newspapers, and more—all in one place. It’s a great starting point if you have a topic in mind and want to see what kinds of sources are available.
Start Here
Sound historical research moves from background to evidence. Begin with reference sources, such as encyclopedias, handbooks, and other works that provide reliable background information and help you refine your topic. Then explore books and scholarly articles to understand how historians interpret events and debates. Finally, dig into primary sources, including letters, diaries, photographs, maps, and data, to develop your own insights.
Use the tabs in this guide to explore:
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Background Information: Gain an overview of your topic and familiarize yourself with key terms.
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Books & eBooks: Find in-depth studies and scholarly interpretations.
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Journal Articles: Read historians’ latest research and analyses.
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Primary Sources: Locate original documents, images, and data.
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Archives & Manuscripts: Discover unique collections of firsthand materials.
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Maps & Statistics: Visualize historical change across time and place.
Get Help with Your Research
Need help finding sources or getting started with your history project? Contact Julia Nims, your History librarian.
Email: jnims@emich.edu | Appointments: Schedule a research consultation (opens in a new window)
I can help you:
- Choose and narrow a research topic
- Find primary and secondary sources
- Use databases and citation tools effectively