History Library Guide

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.