When evaluating websites use the following checklist to assess the reliability of the information:
(Who is the author and what authority do they possess?)
(Are any claims supported by reliable evidence?)
(Is the information biased?)
(Is the information up-to-date?)
(Who is the site aimed at?)
(Are links from the site working and pointing to other reliable sites?)
Google Scholar can be a useful place to look for academic resources for your assignments. To get the most out of it we recommend using it in tandem with library databases, and thinking through the questions above for evaluating online content. If you come across something on Google Scholar which is not in the library, please place an interlibrary loan request and we will do our best to get it for you.
Reviews of books and other resources are a great way to find out about new resources and publications in history.
SCONUL Access is a scheme which allows many university library users to use or borrow books and journals at other libraries which belong to the scheme. Click here to learn more about it or sign up.
WorldCat is an international library catalogue. It is useful for looking for material on particular subjects and finding out in what libraries they are held. This makes it a very useful tool when you are planning a visit to another library.
Before visiting another library, it's always a good idea to check their catalog to make sure the material you want to see is available. You can generally find a library's catalog with a quick internet search. If you are planning to visit multiple external libraries or aren't quite sure where to go, merged library catalogues like Library Hub Discover and WorldCat can help you plan your research.
Jisc Library Hub Discover exposes rare and unique research material by bringing together the catalogues of major UK and Irish libraries. In a single search you can discover the holdings of the UK’s National Libraries (including the British Library), many university libraries, and specialist research libraries.
