Whether you are researching a history paper or just want to learn more about a certain time period or event in history, these are some great resources to get you started.
UAPL’s Research Librarians have compiled these recommended websites, books, magazines and databases that are authoritative and perfect for bringing local, American and world history alive for you.
And don’t forget, you can always contact a Research Librarian by phone, email, or in person for assistance in using our databases and eBooks.
Indexes / Databases
The following are part of the Upper Arlington Public Library’s subscription Research Tools. Unless you are in one of our library locations, you will need your library card number and PIN in order to access them.
Gale Reference eBooks – Use your UAPL card number and PIN to access authoritative and fascinating encyclopedias and other reference sources covering American and world history, from anywhere, any time of day. Titles include:
- Disasters and Tragic Events
- Europe 1450-1789, Europe 1789-1914, and Europe Since 1914
- Global Encyclopedia of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer History
- Milestone Visual Documents in American History
- …and many more!
National Geographic Virtual Library – Features every issue of National Geographic Magazine from 1888 to present, including additional content from National Geographic such as maps, videos, images and books.
UA Archives – An initiative of the Upper Arlington Public Library in partnership with local organizations and individuals, the UA Archives presents historical resources about Upper Arlington. Includes historical maps, Norwester Yearbooks, images, and much more.
Click here for a complete list of UA Library’s history-related databases.
Reference Resources
When researching an event in history, be sure to visit the Research Department of the Tremont Branch Library to search our book collection covering history. Ask a Research Librarian for help finding materials.
Reference Books
- American Decades
- Berkshire Encyclopedia of World History
- Daily Life through World History in Primary Documents
- Encyclopedia of Archaeology: History and Discoveries
- Encyclopedia of Historic Places
- The People’s Chronology: A Year-by-Year Record of Human Events from Prehistory to the Present
- The Timetables of History
Journals / Magazines
Some current issues of the following magazine and journal titles are available for checking out, while in some cases older issues may be accessed at the Tremont Branch’s Research Department. Follow the links to the catalog or see a librarian for more information:
- American Heritage
- American History
- Archaeology
- Civil War Times
- Current History
- Early American Life
- Echoes
- History Today
- MHQ: Quarterly Journal of Military History
- Military History
- National Geographic History
- Natural History
- Smithsonian
- World War II
Archives / Special Collections
The Research Department retains many years of back issues and/or microfilm to some popular news and entertainment magazines containing historically valuable information written during important events and time periods. Titles that are retained include:
The following print indexes will help you locate specific articles within these magazines:
For local history research, the Upper Arlington Public Library Ohio Room contains materials on the history of Ohio, Columbus and Franklin County, including books and magazines. The Research Department also houses a pamphlet file that includes clippings of news articles chronicling aspects of the recent history of Columbus and Franklin county. See a librarian for assistance locating and searching this collection.
Websites
These recommended websites are chosen by a Research Librarian as reliable sources of information on various aspects of History:
General History
- Best of History Websites
- National Archives
- National Museum of American History – Online Exhibitions
- Smithsonian – History and Culture
Local History
- eHistory – OSU Department of History
- Ohio History Connection
- Ohio Memory
- Ohio State University Archives
- UA Archives
Search Starters
Get started with your research by seeing some examples of what UAPL has in its collection on subjects related to History: