History Research Guide

Use the general indexes, databases, Internet links, and printed reference tools listed below to find biographies.

Information about people may be located in general biographical indexes and directories, as well as general history encyclopedias. You should also consult history-specific biographical indexes and directories such as the titles listed below. There are many more biographical resources in the library's reference collection,. Some people, regardless of how prominent they are in their community or in highly specialized fields, simply may not have books, articles, or directory entries written about them. Local newspapers may contain biographical information about local personalities.

The library catalog (OneSearch) is an important tool for finding many biographical sources. Several examples of broad subject terms that can be used in keyword searches for finding biographical resources are listed below:

Chinese American Biographies

France Biographies

Missionaries Biographies 

Musicians Biographies

Statesmen Biographies