Description

In the past, historians could rely on their basic understanding of bibliographic tools to do effective research, as resources were primarily available in print, on microform, or at a library. Today, the information explosion resulting from access to the Internet has complicated traditional research methods by heightening expectations and raising new questions about retrieving, using, and presenting information.
The Information-Literate Historian is the only book specifically designed to teach today's history student how to most successfully select and use sources--primary, secondary, and electronic--to carry out and present their research. The book discusses:

• questions to ask before, during, and after the research process, as well as questions to ask about sources and their authors
• search strategies that can be used in both electronic and print indexes
• the various types of sources that are appropriate for specific research questions
• how to find and use books, journals, and primary sources quickly and efficiently, and how to select the best ones for a particular topic
• the ways in which historians practice their craft and the nature of historical discourse and narrative
• methods for finding, using, and evaluating such media as images, speeches, and maps
• guidelines for presenting historical research in different formats, including papers, oral presentations, and websites

Written by a college librarian, The Information-Literate Historian is an indispensable reference for historians, students, and other readers doing history research.

Reviews

"Presnell's book will fill a niche not currently occupied in the range of books available to undergraduate history majors and advanced high school students."--Ronald E. Doel, Program in History of Science, Department of History, and Department of Geosciences, Oregon State University

"There are a number of books out now--and certainly more will come--that attempt to address the question of doing historical research in the age of the Web. But most just philosophically address the question. This book not only philosophically grapples with the issue but also provides a hands-on primer for creating websites and using the Web in research and in classes. It looks like it would be the best out there right now, with both history students--and even history faculty--benefiting from it."--Richard A. Voeltz, Department of History, Cameron University

"Research can be frustrating, time-consuming, and fraught with dead ends and empty leads, but like all librarians I have ever known, Ms. Presnell seems able to communicate her enthusiasm for the discovery of information and knowledge. She makes research seem like an exciting journey that she is eager to help students navigate."--Jennifer Norton, AP teacher, Argonaut High School, Jackson, CA

Product Details

256 pages; 17 illus.; 5-1/2 x 8-1/4; ISBN13: 978-0-19-517651-3ISBN10: 0-19-517651-0

About the Author(s)