May 20, 2013

History Pathfinder

This pathfinder is designed to help you research and prepare your National History Day Project.

 

 

 

  1. Begin by reviewing the background and requirements for the 2012 National History Day event.  Information can be found at the following sites:
    1. www.nationalhistoryday.org
    2. www.nhd.org/iowa.htm
  2. Start your search with a general encyclopedia subject search.  Check out World Book On-Line at the AEA Databases link, Britannica at the Central Databases link, or one of the three complete encyclopedia sets in the library.  Remember your theme – Conflict and Compromise – and consider your related terms. (war, treaty, pact, agreement, ect.)
  3. Search the library catalog for books about your topic.  You will also find links to web resources that are specific to your topic in your catalog search – put these on your list for future consideration.  You can also search the public library catalogs for additional resources.
  4. Now that you have a broad understanding of your theme, narrow your topic using any of the ABC Clio databases on the Central Databases link.  Here you will find many primary resources – articles, photographs, transcripts, etc.  Don’t forget the AEA Databases for articles, photographs, and video resources.
  5. Check out these other web sites for more information.  For help evaluating a website, review the Evaluating a Website down load below.
    1. www.usa.gov/
    2. www.archives.gov
    3. www.americanjourneys.org
    4. www.ourdocuments.gov
    5. www.loc.gov
    6. www.gpoaccess.gov
    7. www.kids.gov
    8. http://bensguide.gpo.gov/
    9. www.gpoaccess.gov/gmanual/index.html
  6. Use librarian-created subject guides to find more web resources.  Digital Librarian, Internet Public Library, and Librarian’s Internet Index will all be helpful.

 

Make sure you review how to evaluate a website before you begin: websiteeval