New Database Helps with History Homework

Local students will be getting a little extra help with their history homework this spring thanks to a new set of research databases at the Forsyth County Public Library (FCPL).

This new eLibrary resource, Infobase History Research Center, can be accessed from a library computer or from any location by logging onto the library website at www.forsythpl.org by simply selecting eResources from the homepage and then clicking History. The service is free and a library card is not required when visiting a library branch.  Outside of the library, users need a library card and PIN to access the database.

“History Research Center will help middle school, high school, and college-level students locate articles, images, primary source documents, biographies, videos, and maps to complete research papers, projects, and homework assignments,” says Linda Kelly, Assistant Director for Materials.

The platform includes five databases that can be searched individually or cross-searched together, helping students find the resources they need more quickly.

The Ancient and Medieval History database provides a survey of prehistoric times through the 1500s. Special topic centers on key regions and civilizations are also provided. The Modern World History database covers the broad expanse of world history from the mid-15th century to the present, including in-depth biographical references for key leaders, scientists, artists, and other historical figures.

The American History database delivers more than 500 years of cultural, political, social, and military history. It also offers support for local curriculum objectives with increased coverage for women’s history and government in the U.S. The African-American History database is a comprehensive examination of the African-American experience in the U.S. including thousands of cross-referenced articles and images. The American Indian History database helps students explore 15,000 years of Native American history and culture, along with records related to 600 distinct Native American groups.

“We selected History Research Center for the eResources collection because it offers so many tools that are relevant to our students, to their teachers, and to the historical curriculum studied from middle school to college in our area,” says Kelly.

“This platform offers focused topic centers that both teachers and students can use, study guides for specific historical events or subjects, timelines to help students understand the context and order of historical events, and tools to create citations for writing research papers. Teachers might also like to use the slideshow overview feature to give students a visual introduction to the material they’re about to cover in class.”

To use the new History Research Center, please visit www.forsythpl.org.