Monday, September 8, 2008

Biographical Research Tips

In conducting biographical research there are many tools on the Internet, but not all of these tools are authentic--that is the information contained is not necessarily based on fact. Wikipedia is a good example. Authors can alter the text, and can delete information that may or may not be valid. Be carefull when using these types of websites, and be aware that most professors will not allow you cite from these types of sources, including me.

The best place to begin a biographical search is through the King Library Database page. Click on SJPL Articles/Databases and under "Student Resources" Click on "Biography Resource Center." This database is owned by the Public Library, but as as SJSU students you have access to city and university databases. The BRC provides full-text articles on individuals of note.

You can also locate some Internet biographies such as Biographies of Notable Women from About.Com: Women's History. If you have trouble, please contact me or you can call Nyle Monday at 408 808/2041, or email him at Nyle.Monday@sjsu.edu

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