Getting Started
Begin your research by brainstorming keywords - the words and phrases you’ll use to search for books, articles, websites, government documents, and other resources. These may include names of people and places or historical concepts like eras and movements. A librarian can suggest “subject headings” to find the most relevant resources.
Example Keywords & Catalog Subject Headings
Database/Online Resources
Library databases are online collections of information, organized for research. Databases contain articles, eBooks, images, maps, primary sources and more. If you don’t have a library card, register online for immediate access to these resources. The following recommended databases are available on our Research and Teen Social Studies pages.
Black Historical Newspapers (ProQuest)
Collection of 14 influential African American newspapers that documented the Black experience in America from 1893 to 2010. Access to perspectives and information that was excluded or marginalized in mainstream sources. Articles, obituaries, photos, editorials, and more, from the following newspapers:
Atlanta Daily World
The Baltimore Afro-American
Chicago Defender
Cleveland Call & Post
Houston Informer and Texas Freeman
Kansas City Call
Los Angeles Sentinel
Louisville Defender
Michigan Chronicle
New York Amsterdam News
The Norfolk Journal & Guide
The Philadelphia Tribune
Pittsburgh Courier
St. Louis American
Black Life in America (Newsbank)
Comprehensive newspaper coverage of the African American experience from the early 18th century to the present day. Sourced from more than 19,000 American and global newspapers, including over 400 current and historical Black publications. Updated daily.
Business Source Premier
Full-text database for business research covering management, economics, finance, and marketing. Includes access to magazines, international business and trade journals, case studies, and SWOT analyses.
Basic Search Video Tutorial | Advanced Search Video Tutorial
Ethnic Diversity Source (Ebsco)
Covers the culture, traditions, social treatment and lived experiences of different ethnic groups in the United States and the world. Provides full-text sources including peer-reviewed journals, magazines, e-books, biographies and primary source materials.
Explora High School (Ebsco)
Look up topic overviews, encyclopedia, magazine and academic journal articles, facts and primary sources for research papers, class projects or homework. Get information from trustworthy sources that you can cite in your papers. Designed with students and educators in mind.
Prospector: Materials from Other Colorado and Wyoming Libraries
As a Denver Public Library customer, you can also borrow materials from other libraries in Colorado and Wyoming. Use Prospector to request materials that DPL does not own.
Internet Sources
Before using information you find on the internet for assignments and research, it is important to establish that the information comes from a reliable and appropriate source. The following websites, from government, academic and nonprofit organizations, have been evaluated for authority, accuracy, content and currency.
Contact the Reference Services department for help with your research project
- Phone us, 720-865-1363
- Chat with us online with the Ask Us! Service
- Meet with us in person or online to work one-on-one with a librarian