Q. I'm doing a paper for my 1301 class, and need sources on the background of American History, like its trends, background, and major historians.

A good place to start on an overview of American History are our reference resources. To get there, go to Databases and pick the Reference tab.

Credo and Encyclopedia Britannica are both helpful. In Credo, it is easier to search the topics listing for this entry. Click on the topics link at the top, then select history. Scroll until you find American History. That article does cover the history of American History.

In Britannica, search United States history. The results display overviews of time periods, as well as major historians.

For articles, go to EBSCO: Academic Search Complete and you might want to try the term historiography AND United States. Historiography is the study of history, and the methodology.

For books, go to WorldCat and seach for United States historians. Also search for historiography. All links are below.