When the Handbook for Research in American History was first published, reviewers called it "an excellent tool for historians of all interests and levels of experience . . . simple to use, and concisely worded" (Western Historical Quarterly) and "an excellent work that fulfills its title in being portable yet well-filled" (Reference Reviews). The Journal of American History added, "It is not easy to produce a reference work that is utilitarian and enriching and does not duplicate existing works. Professor Prucha has done the job very well." This second, revised edition takes account of the revolution that is occurring in bibliographic science as printed reference works extend to electronic databases, CD-ROMs, and online networks such as the Internet. Focusing on and expanding the major section of the original Handbook, it provides information on traditional printed works, describes new guides and updated versions of old ones, notes the availability of reference works and of some full-text sources in electronic form, and discusses the usefulness to researchers of different kinds of material and the forms in which they are available. Extensive cross-referencing and a detailed index that includes authors, subjects, and titles enhance the book's usefulness.

Primary source collections from Idaho, Oregon, and Washington are described and evaluated. Covering a broad cross-section of libraries, museums, historical societies, and government archives this book provides a detailed look at 175 institutions and their collections. Descriptive entries cover contact information, facilities, material types, and multiple subject indexes to the holdings. Discusses the nature of archival research and lists digital resources and Web sites of interest to historians. The perfect tour guide for scholars engaged in writing about the history of the Pacific Northwest and related national topics.

The Micro-Historian’s Guide to Research, Evidence, & Conclusions imparts useful guidance to motivated historians, genealogists, special interest researchers, and local history enthusiasts. As long-buried sources become available via the internet, more regular folks without a Ph.D. in history are joining the fun of information-gathering and shining new light on under-explored history – yet often with no foundation of method. The author answers the call with this volume, “paying forward” the guidance received from long-ago mentors as well as from present-day historians and archivists. Topics include research planning & execution, evaluation of evidence, formulation of conclusions, and the crafting of a summary narrative. Each topic is enriched by practical examples from the author’s experience. The aim is to help the new practitioner build a foundation of research skills that leads to evidence-based conclusions. The author’s perspective of experience – as a disciplined researcher, but also with roots as a no-nonsense old-school newspaper reporter – occasionally prompts a mild tease of the buttoned-down genealogy proof standard, or conversely, a deflating poke at flabby interpretation … and moribund academic writing … wherever it may fester. The Micro-Historian’s Guide to Research, Evidence, & Conclusions draws theory from dozens of history, genealogy, historiography, and research giants through the ages. The book also pays tribute to that long-ago cigar-chomping newspaper editor who admonished a young reporter: “Yer mother sez she loves ya’? You still gotta check it out!”

This book provides a practical guide to the major collections of business archives for the whole of Ireland and to their appropriate use in historical research. Irish historians' engagement with the accounting and business fields is discussed, and the work-to-date in business history in Ireland is surveyed. The guide also features an introduction to the authors' electronic database of select accounting and corporate governance archives held in the National Archives of Ireland and the Public Record Office, Northern Ireland (listed in an appendix).

A 2022 SPE Outstanding Book Award Winner This book offers qualitative researchers an entrée into the world of working with archival repositories and special collections. It serves as a primer for students and researchers who might not be familiar with these sorts of collections, but with an interest in what has become known as the “archival turn,” in which the use of archival materials and artifacts in contemporary research has increased dramatically since the 1990s. Suited to novice researchers seeking a general introduction into how special collections are created and how they can be used, the book offers useful, clear guidance on using different types of archives, developing topics for research within the archives, assessing materials available, how to work with archivists and curators, documenting the research process, and writing up an archival study. Archival records and material culture (including manuscripts, documents, audio- and video-recordings, and visual and material culture) housed in special collections provide a wealth of resources for qualitative researchers seeking to conduct research in the social sciences. Perfect for courses in: Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods | Research Methods in Higher Education | Exploring Archival Collections | Family Studies | Community Research | Introduction to Special Collections Research