Ma Yuan [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
General Resources Page
You'll notice that this guide is organized by geographical area. The resources on those pages are specific to those areas. However, many of the library's resources are appropriate to any Asian history time period. These links are gathered on the general resources page.
Databases - Here you will find a list of recommended databases for doing history research. JSTOR, Google Scholar, and Academic Search Premier are some of the best places to start. You may also want to get an ecard from the Boston Public Library so you can access their electronic resources as well.
Books - Books are a great way to do historical research. Since most of these books are heavily researched, you can get an in-depth account of a topic in one place. In addition, the references can help you to find specific research on your topic. If you want to broaden your search beyond the MCLA collection, I recommend WorldCat, which will search hundreds of libraries across the country and offer you the chance to request a title on interlibrary loan.
Essential Databases
- Academic Search Complete (EBSCO) This link opens in a new windowAcademic Search Complete is the library's most popular database. It includes multi-disciplinary coverage,full-text access to journal articles and other scholarly materials not typically available through web searches.
- JSTOR This link opens in a new windowScholarly journals in the arts, humanities, general science and social sciences dating back to the late 17th century. JSTOR is great for historical research but not for current research.
MCLA's access to JSTOR is made possible by support from the Hardman Family Endowment. - Biography (Gale in Context) This link opens in a new windowFind biographical information on over one million people, current and historic.
- World History (Gale In Context) This link opens in a new window
Contextual information on hundreds of the most significant people, events and topics in World History - full-text magazines, academic journals, news articles, primary source documents, images, videos, audio files and links to vetted websites.
- Academic OneFile (Gale) This link opens in a new windowAcademic OneFile is offers extensive coverage of the physical sciences, technology, medicine, social sciences, the arts, theology, literature and other subjects
Want to search all of our databases at once? Try Search Everything.
Want to search all of our databases at once? Try Search Everything.Google Scholar
Google Scholar is another resource for finding research articles. Look on the right hand side of the screen for the "Check MCLA Full-Text" links that will bring you to the article in one of our databases. You can also look for the free PDFs listed on the right hand side. If you are off-campus, use these instructions to set it up for full access to library resources.
Google Scholar
Finding Books & EBooks
- Use the Library Catalog to find books and e-books that are available at the MCLA library and from our partner libraries in HELM. For information on downloading ebooks, see our guide.
- Use the Commonwealth Catalog (ComCat) to find books that are available statewide in Massachusetts. You will need your library login (the same one you use to request books in the MCLA HELM catalog) to request an item. Contact us if you need help logging in.
- Use WorldCat to search for books and ebooks held by libraries worldwide. Use the 'Request on Interlibrary Loan" button to request the item from another library.
- Use the Libby app for more popular/recreational reading. You can find ebooks, emagazines, audio books, and more in Libby.
Search
Library Catalog
ComCat
Go directly to the Commonwealth Catalog page to search for an item. You will need your library login (the same one you use to request books in the MCLA HELM catalog) to request an item. Contact us if you need help logging in.
