Contact the Librarian at your campus for more help!
University Park and
World Campus:
Manuel Ostos
(MUO16@psu.edu
or 814-865-3693)
Behrend (Erie):
Jane Ingold
(JLI4@psu.edu or 814-898-7278)
Berks:
Brett Spencer
(DBS21@psu.edu or 610-396-6261)
Harrisburg:
Heidi Abbey Moyer
(HNA2@psu.edu or 717-948-6056)
Adding Details: General Sources
Below are only a few Penn State databases, books, and free web sites that provide useful information for writers. If you need further help, consult Penn State University Libraries' experts database or staff directory for contact information.
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Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL) This link opens in a new windowSimilar to Credo, provides reputable basic information in all subject areas.
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Handy ... Answer Book (series)
ISBN: 9781578596393This series of books provides a trove of facts and background information. There are recent volumes for just about any subject of interest, from anatomy to law, to psychology!
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Oxford Reference Online This link opens in a new windowDictionary-type information, especially on history and geography.
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Google Book SearchSearches the full-text of millions of books.
Arts, Architecture, and Music Details
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Artstor This link opens in a new windowMore than 2 million high-quality art images from the world's greatest museums. Use the "Advanced Search" to explore by date, geography, and other criteria.
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Billboard Charts ArchiveFind out which tunes were most popular for a given year, back to the 1950s.
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DETAIL Inspiration This link opens in a new windowA resource for images and descriptions of recently-designed buildings. Use "more options" to search by building type, location, and year of construction.
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Grove Music Online (New Grove Dictionary of Music) This link opens in a new windowAuthoritative background information on music, musicians, and instruments throughout the world and across history.
Medicine, Nature, and Science Details
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All About BirdsProvides high-quality images, habits, range, calls, and other information about American birds.
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HowStuffWorksA popular site for explaining science, technology, and related topics.
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MedlinePlusAn reliable, freely-available source of medical information. Written for consumers.
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USDA PLANTS databaseA useful resource for nature writers writing about the U.S. On the left side of the page, the "state search" enables you to find information about the plants that are native to a particular area.
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Weather Underground: Historical WeatherFind out the weather on any date back to the 1940s.