The Information Literate Historian

This primer for history students will guide them on how to do research to write a research paper, create a website, or do a PowerPoint presentation. It is cutting-edge on how to do research on the Internet and how to differentiate between reliable and unreliable historical information on the Web.

The Information-Literate Historian is the only book specifically designed to teach today's history students how to successfully select and use sources-primary, secondary, and electronic-to carry out and present their research. Expanded and updated, the second edition of The Information-Literate Historian continues to be an indispensable reference for historians, students, and other readers doing history research. New to this Edition * New Chapter 10 on how to critically evaluate and work with statistics and data * Thoroughly updated and expanded discussion of electronic resources available, including Google Books, Google Scholar, Hathi Trust, GIS, Flickr, YouTube, e-journals, and blogs * Expanded coverage of photography, newsreels, and documentaries * Added emphasis on writing research papers, including using citation management software such as Zotero and Refworks and a sample student paper as a case study

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.

"The Information-Literate Historian provides a thorough overview of the research process for historians. Presnell admirably guides students of history through the process of conducting research - all the way from identifying basic research terminologies to discussing various kinds of sources to providing numerous examples of how to locate said sources. The sheer amount of information within this text is impressive, especially given its relatively short length. Presnell's prose is clear and concise, but also accessible to students looking to undertake historical research. The utility of The Information-Literate Historian is such that I would assign it without hesitation to both undergraduate students and first-year graduate students as a reference tool"--

"The Information-Literate Historian provides a thorough overview of the research process for historians. Presnell admirably guides students of history through the process of conducting research - all the way from identifying basic research terminologies to discussing various kinds of sources to providing numerous examples of how to locate said sources. The sheer amount of information within this text is impressive, especially given its relatively short length. Presnell's prose is clear and concise, but also accessible to students looking to undertake historical research. The utility of The Information-Literate Historian is such that I would assign it without hesitation to both undergraduate students and first-year graduate students as a reference tool"--

Written in an engaging and entertaining style, this widely-used how-to guide introduces readers to the theory, craft, and methods of history and provides a series of tools to help them research and understand the past. Part I is a stimulating, philosophical introduction to the key elements of history--evidence, narrative, and judgment--that explores how the study and concepts of history have evolved over the centuries. Part II guides readers through the workshop of history. Unlocking the historian's toolbox, the chapters here describe the tricks of the trade, with concrete examples of how to do history. The tools include documents, primary and secondary sources, maps, arguments, bibliographies, chronologies, and many others. This section also covers professional ethics and controversial issues, such as plagiarism, historical hoaxes, and conspiracy theories. Part III addresses the relevance of the study of history in today's fast-paced world. The chapters here will resonate with a new generation of readers: on everyday history, oral history, material culture, public history, event analysis, and historical research on the Internet. This Part also includes two new chapters for this edition. GIS and CSI examines the use of geographic information systems and the science of forensics in discovering and seeing the patterns of the past. Too Much Information treats the issue of information overload, glut, fatigue, and anxiety, while giving the reader meaningful signals that can benefit the study and craft of history. A new epilogue for this edition argues for the persistence of history as a useful and critically important way to understand the world despite the information deluge.

Starting with an examination of how historians work, this "Very Short Introduction" aims to explore history in a general, pithy, and accessible manner, rather than to delve into specific periods.

Writing History offers a wealth of advice to help students research and write assignments for history classes. Designed for Canadian students in all areas of the discipline, this book includes up-to-date information and examples from the works of cultural, political, and social historians onfinding a research topic, interpreting source materials, performing internet searches, avoiding plagiarism, and more. With an expanded section on using online resources and a new chapter on writing assignments, including research proposals, book reviews, and essay exams, Writing History is an idealsupplement to any history course that requires students to conduct research.