History and Humanities Research Guide

Background research can help you:

• narrow down a broad theme into a smaller topic
• learn the basics of your topic
• develop a list of keywords to use when searching for more sources
• develop a research question and/or thesis statement

Starter databases:

• simple, browseable databases meant to help students with background research
• often contain credible reference articles, but can also have viewpoint essays
• a good alternative or supplement to Wikipedia

Best starter databases for History topics:

Gale eBooks Tutorial

• This database has subject-specific encyclopedia articles which provide simple topic overviews.
• A perfect way to get to know your topic before diving deeper into scholarly research.
• Watch the video below to learn more:

Browse eBooks Online

• ELAC Library offers many eBook collections with free 24/7 access for our ELAC students.
• You will be asked login with your LACCD account before an ebook loads. Review off-campus login directions here.

Browse Books in the Library

• These books can be found at the Main Campus and/or the South Gate Library.
• Write down the book's title and call number to find the book on the shelf.

• If you're in the library, you can also browse the library Stacks by call number:

  • C = History (Auxillary Sciences-Archaeology, Genealogy)
  • D = History (General and all except North and South America)
  • E = History (General U.S.)
  • F = History (Local U.S., Canada, Mexico, South America)