"Helen Keller, Circa 1956." Gale Biography Online Collection, Gale, 2010. Gale In Context: Biography.
Getting Started
Begin your research by brainstorming keywords - the words and phrases you’ll use to search for books, articles, websites, government documents, and other resources. These may include names of people and places or historical concepts like eras and movements. A librarian can suggest “subject headings” to find the most relevant resources.
Example Keywords & Catalog Subject Headings
Genealogy, African American and Western History Resources
The Western History & Genealogy department focuses on Colorado and the West. These materials do not check out and are available to view on Floor 5 of the Central Library when the library is open. During the current closure, Western History and Genealogy Staff are still available to assist by phone and email and can provide scans of collection items for your project. Email history@denverlibrary.org and include "National History Day" in your subject line, or call 720-865-1821 Tues-Fri, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or Sat, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Blair Caldwell African American Research Library archives and reference collections focus on African American history and culture in Colorado and the West. Materials from the archives do not check out and are available to view on Floor 2 of the library when the library is open. During the current closure, Blair-Caldwell Library staff are still available to assist by phone and email and can provide scans of collection items for your project. Email askblaircaldwell@denverlibrary.org and include "National History Day" in your subject line, or call 720-865-2401, Tues-Fri, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or Sat, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Database/Online Resources
Library databases are online collections of information, organized for research. Databases contain articles, eBooks, images, maps, primary sources and more. If you don’t have a library card, register online for immediate access to these resources.The following recommended databases are available on our Research and Teen Social Studies pages.
Biography (Gale in Context)
Information on the world's most influential people. Learn about past and present figures like politicians, celebrities, activists and authors.
Explora High School
Look up topic overviews, magazine and academic journal articles, facts and primary sources for research papers, class projects or homework. Get information from trustworthy sources that you can cite in your papers. Designed with students and educators in mind.
New York Times Historical Backfile on ProQuest
Contains full-text and images in PDF format of the New York Times from 1851 to three years before current year.
Readers' Guide Retrospective: 1890-1982
Provides indexing of over three million articles from more than 550 leading magazines including full coverage of the original print volumes of Readers’ Guide to Periodical Literature. This resource offers researchers access to information about history, culture and seminal developments across nearly a century.
Internet Sources
Before using information you find on the internet for assignments and research, it is important to establish that the information comes from a reliable and appropriate source. The following websites, from government, academic and nonprofit organizations, have been evaluated for authority, accuracy, content and currency.
Contact the Reference Services department for help with your research project
- Phone us, 720-865-1363
- Visit us, reference desk on Floor 3 of the Central Library
- Chat with us online with the Ask Us! Service
- Meet with us in person or online to work one-on-one with a librarian
