When you begin your research on your president, it is important to keep the topic in mind from the specific to the general as in:
Your President -> American Presidents -> Biography
So when you are in a library or on the internet trying to find information, if you are have trouble, make your search more general. For example, perhaps you are having trouble finding a book that is about your president, try finding a book that is about American Presidents (in a public library the Dewey decimal call number will be 973.099), it may have a chapter about your president. If you can’t find a book about American Presidents try the Biography section of the library or a good biographical internet resource. This page will provide some good online places to start your research so you’ve come to the right place!
TCPS Library American Presidents Recommended Internet Resources
TCPS Library General Recommended Internet Resources (These are general resources that will have information on a wide variety of topics, including Biography)
Databases are also great online resources and a great way to practice a research skill you will use throughout your eduational career. Public libraries offer access to many databases that may have good information for this report and you can access them from home with your library card. I’ve highlighted the Biography Resource Center here for it’s excellent coverage of biographies.
San Diego County Library Biography Resource Center***
San Diego Public Library Biography Resource Center***
***You may have to scroll on the page to find the link to the Biography Resource Center Database, and you must be a library card holder and have your card available so you can login to use the database from home. If your home library is not listed above be sure to check their website, they may also subscribe to this database!
Need help? Ask a Librarian! Most public libraries now provide 24/7 chat reference service. Which means if you have a question, you can ask a librarian, anytime! Just go to your public library’s website. (With your parent’s permission)
