Writing, Illustrating & Publishing > Research
Research series: library databases and resources
Liz:
:thankyou Amanda!
Amanda Coppedge:
Next database: Gale's Health and Wellness Resource Center
What it's most useful for: Accurate, vetted, current and historic information about health, diseases, drugs and other treatments (including alternative medicine)
You can access this via your library's database page (may be under "electronic resources," "online research resources," etc.).
Health and medicine are frequently an issue in children's and young adult books, and well-researched medical information can make such books really stand out. They can also serve double duty, informing and educating readers about science and medicine. A few great examples that come to mind: RULES by Cynthia Lord (autism), DIRTY LITTLE SECRET by C. J. Omololu (hoarding), THE WAY WE FALL by Megan Crewe (epidemics/viruses) and FEVER 1793 (yellow fever) by Laurie Halse Anderson.
Results:
* magazine articles
* academic journal articles
* health newsletters/pamphlets
* medical reference books
* videos
* a list of trusted websites
Amanda Coppedge:
Database: HeritageQuest Online
What it's most useful for: American and international historical research on people, places, events and government
You can access this via your library's database page (may be under "electronic resources," "online research resources," etc.).
If you are familiar with genealogical research, you know how expensive it can be to pay for access to genealogical databases. If your library foots the bill for this great database, be thankful!
This database can help you find information on historically accurate names, occupations, living situations, military and government situations, and more. In conjunction with historical research from period newspapers, magazines and books, this can give you a rounded picture of life for everyday people during an era.
Results:
* census records 1790-1930
* books and periodicals on people and places
* how-to articles for genealogical research (search under PERSI)
* American Revolutionary War records
* Freedman's Bank records (bank established for freed slaves, records from 1865-1874)
* U. S. Congressional Serials set (government history results)
Liz:
How Cool = Heritage Quest -- I can't wait to see if my library has it!
Thanks Amanda!
Amanda Coppedge:
Database: Bridgeman Art Collection
What it's useful for: Inspiration of all flavors, but especially historical
http://www.bridgemanart.com (you don't need a library account to access this)
Go ahead and type something in the search bar. Try "1890s portrait" or "1940s worker" or "dodo" or the name of a famous person. You will pull results from an amazing, broad, very well-tagged and catalogued collection of art. I use this site for inspiration all the time, to get the feel of an era, to find a piece of art that evokes a setting or emotion I want to capture, or to see portraits of people who inspired a story.
The site is more geared toward the UK but you will find lots of art from other countries as well.
You can download preview images--they have watermarks but since you're just using them for personal reference it doesn't matter.
Results:
Photographs, paintings and photos of sculptures from antiquity through modern times.
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