Even in the Digital Age, books are still the major publication format for academic historians. In fact, journal articles are frequently the precursor to full-length books. Here are some tips on how to use books more effectively in your research:
Read the table of contents, introduction, and conclusion first. Academic works are not novels - you'll get more out of it if you know in advance the author's main points and conclusions.
Found a good book on your topic? Look at the titles near it on the shelf for related works.
Raid the bibliography of a good book for more sources, both primary and secondary. Ask a librarian if you need help locating a cited source.
Includes all print books in TU Libraries as well as e-books that form part of our collections. Use the RESOURCE TYPE filters to limit your search to books and e-books.
Use Google Books to do a full-text search of books in their database. If you find something you want, copy the title into Library Search and see if it's available. If not, order it through Interlibrary Loan (ILLIAD)
WorldCat allows you to discover materials at Tulane University AND in libraries worldwide. View local holdings or borrow from U.S. libraries using Interlibrary Loan (ILL). Two different interfaces, the first a more in-depth option via subscription (FirstSearch, via the Tulane University icon link), and the second open-access (WorldCat Local, via the orange OA icon) offer unique user experiences.
If the libraries at Tulane don't have the article or book that you need, request an interlibrary loan. Our library will find a library that has the book or article and we'll have them send it to us.