Biographical Information (A How-to Guide): 2. Use a Background Source

Cross-searchable collection of sources that includes biographical sources. Search by the individual's name.

Scholarly biographies of notable Americans including family members; educational background; names of spouses and marriage and divorce dates; addresses of residences; and cause of death and place of burial.

American National Biography includes biographical information on over 18,700 men & women whose lives have shaped the United States. It is updated semi-annually with new entries and revisions to existing content.
Access note: Limited to 5 simultaneous users.

Biographies of people who influenced the history of the British Isles. Included are British subjects who achieved recognition in other countries; individuals who lived in territories formerly connected with the British Isles at a time when they were in contact with British rule, people born elsewhere who left a lasting mark on British life. Coverage stretches from the earliest times to the end of the year 2002. No living people are included.
Access note: Limited to 3 simultaneous users.

Biographical dictionary containing articles which describe the lives of Irish men and women who made a significant contribution in Ireland and abroad, as well as those born overseas who had noteworthy careers in Ireland.

Provides information on the history of science through articles on the professional lives of scientists. All periods of science from classical antiquity to modern times are represented.

Grove is a great place to get background information on an artist, period or style from prehistory to the modern era and is one of the most significant arts reference sources available. The print version is titled The Dictionary of Art.
Access note: Limited to 5 simultaneous users.

The Benezit Dictionary of Artists contains almost 170,000 entries on artists from antiquity to the present day and it also has thousands of auction records, museum holdings, and bibliographies. Two notable strengths are its coverage of obscure artists and its inclusion of images of artists? signatures, monograms, and stamps.
Access note: Limited to 3 simultaneous users.

Provides coverage of films and filmmakers, including actors and actresses, directors, writers and other production artists. Entries include a detailed essay written by an expert; biographies; filmographies; comprehensive credits; major awards; and updated bibliographies, as well as photographs.

Contains The Oxford Dictionary of Music, The Oxford Companion to Music, The Encyclopedia of Popular Music, and Grove Music Online which incorporates New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, 2nd ed., New Grove Dictionary of Opera and New Grove Dictionary of Jazz.
Access note: Limited to 5 simultaneous users.

Provides access to many of CQ Press's reference titles on government and politics.

Covers women of historical interest worldwide, from around 3100 BCE to the modern age.