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History Library Guide

The main library guide to support historical research, including primary and secondary resources for all geographical areas and time periods.

Intro

Highlighted below are essential primary source databases available through Tulane University Libraries, as well as key open access resources. For specialized resources according to specific world regions, topics, chronologies, and material types, consult the Library Guides listed in the box at the bottom of the page.

Major Platforms & Vendors

The following are major primary source platforms where you can access dozens of digital collections in one place.

Historical Newspapers

Tulane University Libraries provides access to thousands of historical newspaper titles from the U.S. and around the globe. In addition, some sites, like the Library of Congress and Google News, make historic press available for free. Below are the most important aggregators and and multi-source platforms to discover historical newspapers. For a more extensive list of individual databases, see the News & Newspapers Library Guide.

Top Picks
Open Access

Books

The databases listed below are particularly helpful for discovering books printed from the inception of the European moveable-type press (late 15th century) to the early 20th century. For old books published in countries outside the U.S., check that country's national library website. 

Government Documents - U.S.

More Library Guides with Primary Source Databases

The primary source databases listed above are the most important and wide-reaching platforms available through Tulane University Libraries. For listings of primary source databases relating to specific regions, themes, and material types, explore these library guides:

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