Library Resources for Class 8 English

Hansberry Multiple Source Research Project

Research Strategies and Getting Started
  • Take the time to identify the key ideas in your topic and use them as KEYWORDS.
  • Use keywords and combinations of keywords -- not phrases -- to search the Online Catalog, databases, and even reference books. Try synonyms or more general subject terms if the first keywords don't yield results.
  • The Online Catalog is not Google: it can't tell you what's inside a book. Get the book & use the index to see the topics covered.
  • Bibliography First - Write the bibliographical information down before you take notes or photocopy, not after.
  • Ask questions if you can't find what you want! Stop by the library or email lutz@chapin.edu
Use subject reference books for articles on Hansberry or history topics:
  • Subject reference books are OK to use for US research; use general encyclopedias (e.g. World Book) for ideas or an overview but don't count them as one of your required sources.
  • Most reference books have an index in the last volume; some reference books are available online as part of an database.
  • REF 323.1 ENC   Encyclopedia of Civil Rights in America
  • REF 810.9 BAE   African American Writers
  • REF 810.9   American Writers, Suppl. 4
  • REF 920 HIN   Black Women in America: an historical encyclopedia
  • REF 920 SMI   Notable Black American Women (Book 1)
  • REF 973   Encyclopedia of African American Culture and History (available online in  History Resource Center - US database)
  • REF 977.3   The Encyclopedia of Chicago
Find books about authors or their work with the Online Catalog (OPAC):
  • Search the online catalog at home or at school ; go to Current Students > Library > Online Catalog.
  • Search under an author's name for biographies and books about her works.
  • Best Keywords:  [Author's name]; Biography; Criticism
  • General literature keywords: American drama; American literature; African American authors; Women authors
  • Don't forget to check the index.
Find books about political or social conditions or historical events with the Online Catalog:
  • Best Keywords: [specific keywords taken from your topic question] Ex. Jim Crow laws
  • General history keywords: African Americans; Civil rights; United States; History
  • Don't forget to check the index.
Chapin Databases (Current Students page > Library > Online Resources)
  • History Resource Center - David Alger Memorial History Resource Page -- US History
Bibliography Help
  • For bibliography format and examples, go to Current Students > Library > US page: MLA Style for Bibliographies
  • If you have questions about doing your bibliography, please feel free to ask or email Ms. Lutz.
Working in the Library
  • Work quietly -- you are sharing the space with other teachers and students.
  • Share library resources -- check 1 book out at the end of the day, overnight only. Don't hoard or hide books; photocopy whenever possible.

Last updated by Ms. Lutz, 1 Oct 2007.







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