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HIS 104: Books/eBooks

History of U.S. to 1877

Finding Books

General books on U.S. History can be found in the Stacks within this call number range E 151-909.

Search for books on your specific topic in the Parkland Library Catalog.

Search Strategies:

When you find a book in the Catalog that you like:

  • Click on the title to view the book's information, which often includes a summary or table of contents, to see if the book will be useful to your research.
  • Click on one of the Subjects to see a list of all the books that have been tagged with that subject heading.
  • You can also text yourself the call number!

Now you're ready to go to the shelves to find your books.

  • Books are on the second floor of the Library.
  • When you find a book on the shelf that seems useful to your topic, look around it for other possible resources.
  • Books in the main stacks can be checked out for four weeks. Take your books to the Main Desk--you must have your Parkland ID!

eBooks

Use the following online reference sources for preliminary research as you're trying to learn about your topic. You can also find further sources of information here. These should not, however, be considered scholarly sources or be cited as such in your research paper. 

Subject-Specific Encyclopedias

Subject encyclopedias are a great way to get started on your research! These are NOT the general encyclopedias you may have used in grade school. Subject encyclopedias:

  • Are written by experts.
  • Articles are usually signed, giving them more credibility.
  • Offer excellent background to get you started on your research, usually mentioning the important points you should mention in your paper!
  • Frequently have a list of good resources for further information.Take that list to I-Share and request!

For a look at subject encyclopedia options, try this link.

I-Share

Need more than what you found at Parkland? I-Share can help! I-Share is a network of over 80 college, university, and research libraries in Illinois that can lend books. Set up an account and borrow away!

  • No charge
  • Books come to Parkland Library
  • Return books to Parkland Library

Parkland College Library
2400 West Bradley Avenue
Champaign, IL 61821

217/373-3839
Fax: 217/351-2581