Library Guides: Public History: Home

Subject Resources

If you're just starting out as a Public History student and need to get some background/fundamentals, the following can help:

An American Association for State and Local History
Call Number: 900 B3696a
Publication Date: 2017
Public History: An Introduction
Call Number: 902.3 P976
ISBN: 0898749743
Publication Date: 1986

To search all of Schewe's databases, use the following:

Illinois College Multidatabase Search

These databases will be the best bets for starting your research in public history. If you are having trouble finding articles, see our Finding Articles guide, or ask a librarian for help!

JSTOR Forum This link opens in a new window
Formerly known as Shared Shelf, this platform enables institutions to upload, catalog, and share their digital collections. Discover images and data about IC specific collections like the Jacksonville Female Academy and the Edward Beecher Collection.
US History (Gale in Context) This link opens in a new window
This history database covers the most-studied aspects of American history using a variety of primary, secondary, reference, and multimedia content. Great for getting background and context information for your papers.
American History in Video This link opens in a new window
A broad collection of newsreels, interviews, documentaries, and reenactments both presenting and analyzing American history.
World History in Video This link opens in a new window
A broad collection of documentaries exploring human history throughout the globe.

The best place to find books about public history is in the Schewe Library Catalog or in the library on the shelves primarily in the 900s range on the lower level. If you are having trouble finding more books, see our Finding Books guide. Here are some suggested titles:

Public History: A Practical Guide
Call Number: 900 S2744p
Publication Date: 2015
Past, Present, and Personal: The Family and the Life Course in American History
Call Number: 306.85 D387
Publication Date: 1986

You can find reliable and high-quality videos on a variety of topics below:

Kanopy Videos at Schewe Library

You can find reliable and high-quality public history videos on the following topics:

Here are some websites which might be helpful for a public history student:

For help citing in the Chicago format, which is often used in history, consider using Schewe Library's Chicago citation guide:

Chicago Guide

Other Helpful Resources

For more help finding books, click here

For more help finding articles, click here

For additional citation help, click here

Have a question?

You are welcome to contact us individually at:

Elora Agsten - Research Services Librarian
217.245.3117

Jaeda Calaway - Information Literacy Instructor and Student Research Support Specialist
217.245.3207

Or you can chat with a librarian here!