University of Richmond Libraries Online Databases

America: History and Life

• Premier database of scholarly literature on American history and culture.
• Historical Abstracts uses similar interface, but covers the rest of the world.
• Interface has recently changed.
  • User may now browse a list of subject terms in Basic Search.
  • Limit search to Book Reviews, Articles, Media Reviews, Collections.
  • View Search History.
  • Set up a Personal Profile to receive alerts as new articles are indexed under Subject Terms selected by user.
  • Advanced Search feature still allows user tolimit by Language, Journal Name, Time Period (browsable list).

Congressional Universe

• Extensive database of Congressional materials, 1789-present. Much, but not all, full text.
• Interface has recently changed.
  • "Congressional Publications" search now includes entire period 1789-present and includes Serials Set (vast collection of Presidential communications to Congress, treaty materials and executive agency and departmental reports ordered to be printed by Congress; some bills and resolutions, committee prints and heaings, Congresisonal Record debates, 1789-1969).
  • Basic Search searches only metadata, not full text! Use Advanced Search to search full text of documents.
  • Full text includes Serials Set, 1789-1969 and additional documents from the 1980s-present. See Guide to the Components of Congressional Universe
  • Always check left column of search screen and document categories underneath search box to be sure which types of documents you are searching. The Serials Set is a miscellany of documents, but otherwise, Congressional documents are kept distinct from legislative documents and Member information and so on.

-- WilliamParkin - 07 Dec 2005