LibGuides: U.S. History: Reference and Bibliographies

Reference and Background Info

Reference or background information provides a general overview of a research topic, including important terms and concepts, relevant names of people or places, and dates of specific events.

Finding background information can help you locate keywords for searching databases and identify more specific areas of your topic that you may want to research further.

Below is a list of databases focused on providing reference information related to U.S. History:

Gale eBooks
A database of encyclopedias, almanacs, and specialized reference sources.
American National Biography
Provides biographical information for over 19,000 people from all eras who have influenced and shaped American history and culture. Ranges in time from the earliest recorded European explorations to the very recent past. Includes the content from all 24 volumes of The American National Biography set as well as over 900 fully integrated articles from The Oxford Companion to United States History.
Includes the content from all 24 volumes of The American National Biography set as well as over 900 fully integrated articles from The Oxford Companion to United States History.
Cambridge Histories Online
Provides online access to the renowned texts of the Cambridge Histories series. Includes the Cambridge World History of Violence, History of the American Civil War, World History of Slavery, History of the Second World War, History of Capitalism, History of Religions in America, History of Law in America, History of the Native Peoples of the Americas, History of American Foreign Relations, among many others.

Dictionary of American History
Classic 10 volume encyclopedia available online
Oxford Companion to United States History
Available online and in print.

Topical Reference

Oxford Bibliographies Online
These bibliographies provide an authoritative guide to the current scholarship, expert recs and authoritative commentary on the best works available in the discipline covered, making them particularly useful for anyone beginning research.
African American Studies Center
A comprehensive collection of scholarship focused on the lives and events which have shaped African American and African history and culture. Features over 7,500 articles from Oxford's reference works and over 6,000 biographies.
American Civil War: Letters and Diaries
1855 - 1875. More than 1,000 biographies enhance the use of the database.
Asian American Drama
1891 - present. Documents the Asian American experience as dramatized in works by writers from the 18th century to the present. Brings together biographies, a performance database, production details, and associated visual resources.
Dictionary of American Regional English (DARE)
Documents words, phrases, and pronunciations that vary from one place to another across the United States.
North American Indian Thought and Culture
1677 - present. A collection of biographical material of American Indians and Canadian First Peoples in their own words and through the words of others.
Texas Reference Center
Includes 80+ full text journals and books about Texas history, ethnic & cultural diversity, gender studies, literature, public health, business, garden, sports & leisure. Contains biographies portraying famous historical and contemporary Texans.