Biographical Databases: A Bit of Everything
Below are links to online biographical databases provided by the Library that supply concise information on the famous and infamous worldwide.
- Gale Virtual Reference LibraryFind full-text historic and contemporary biographical information from this collection of online encyclopedias covering virtually all types of biography - as well as subject information.
- Biographies Plus IllustratedBiographies Plus Illustrated (WilsonWeb)
The biographical articles in this database are varied, representing authors, artists, athletes, politicians, world leaders, film directors, American reformers, musicians, composers and more from the ancient world to the present. - Marquis Who's Who on the WebSearch this database by name of the person or by personal elements to discover biographies of interest. Searchable elements include birth data, education and degree, career history, creative works and more. The profiles are from the many 'Who's Who' titles, formerly only available in print. Note: This collection is limited to 3 simultaneous users so thanks for logging out when you've finished.
- Biography and Genealogy Master IndexThis huge database sometimes does not link to full-text online, but tells you what book or encyclopedia has the information you need. You can then search the library's catalog by title for theresource - it will often be available at the Library.
- World Who's WhoBiographical information on gifted, famous and influential men and women in all fields.
Your feedback sought! Ideas? Improvements?
Online Biography Collections: Specialized
Here are some subject-specific databases the Auraria Library offers with articles on those well-known in their field.
- Contemporary AuthorsProvides complete biographical and bibliographical references for authors worldwide.
- Dictionary of Literary BiographyProvides full-text access to critical and biographical essays on British and American authors from all eras and genres.
- Oxford African American Studies CenterA comprehensive collection of scholarship available online focusing on African American and African history and culture.
- Oxford Art OnlineBiographical information - and much more - on artists worldwide.
- Oxford Music OnlineBiographical information - and much more - on musicians worldwide.
- Something About the Author (SATA)SATA has profiles of children's literature authors and illustrators. Coverage online starts in 2009 and earlier volumes are in print format in the Library in the Reference Collection at this call number: REF PN451 .S6.
- Who's Who in American ArtArtist biographies.
Notable Biography Web Sites
- Biography.comHistoric and comtemporary biographical articles.
- BBC Historic Figures
- IMDB: Internet Movie DatabaseInformation about actors and directors.
- Infoplease: Biographies
- Australian Dictionary of Biography
- Dictionary of Canadian Biography OnlineInformation on people who played an important role in the formation of what is now Canada.
- Dictionary of New Zealand BiographyThis website contains over 3,000 biographies of New Zealanders who have 'made their mark' on this country. It does not include people who are alive.
- Eric Weisstein's World of Scientific Biography
- National Women's History Museum: Biography Index
- ISI Highly CitedInformation about individuals and institutions who have contributed to research and the advancement of the sciences.
Biographical Articles
Newspapers, magazines, newsletters, and journals frequently profile celebrated and historic figures. These writings can be information-rich.
Search using the word biography or obituary combined with the name of a person. Use another descriptive word or phrase if you don't have a particular person in mind, such as biography photographer or obituary Dino De Laurentiis, for example.
Nearly all of the databases Auraria subscribes to could have biographical information. Here are a few examples of databases you could try:
- OneFile or Academic Search Premier. For articles about people from magazines and journals.
- Readers' Guide Retrospective. Profiles from popular general interest periodicals between 1890 - 1982.
- America's Newspapers. Sketches of those profiled in local and national papers.
- Historical Abstracts or America: History and Life. Writings from journals and historical magazines on worldwide and U.S. figures of note.
- Philospher's Index. For biographies of great thinkers.
Books!
Ah! Perhaps you're now fascinated by someone and you want to read more!
Here's how to find full-length print books and ebooks. Among the books you'll find will be biographical compendiums and encyclopedias. (Why encyclopedias? Because encyclopedias covering a pariticular topic or discipline almost always contain biographies along with subject overviews.) Find books in either:
- Skyline for books and ebooks in the Auraria Library
- Prospector for books in many Colorado libraries. You can request that these books be shipped, in generally 2 to 4 working days, at no charge* to the Auraria Library.
- Worldcat for books all over the country. You can request that these books be loaned to you via Interlibrary Loan (ILL) at no charge. Not signed up for ILL? Do it here.*
Find the biographies in Skyline, Prospector, or Worldcat by
- Combining either a person's name, subject, or other descriptive word or phrase with either:
- biography
- autobiography
- encyclopedias
Keyword search examples: native americans autobiography - scientists biography - anthropology (or anthropologists) biography - architecture encyclopedia - Michael Jackson biography
Hint: Sometimes just a persons name, either as a subject search or keyword search, will bring up books with biographical information
*There is no charge for Prospector or interlibrary loan for students, faculty, and staff of the three institutions on the Auraria campus.
Albert Einstein's Ordinary Genius, pictured above, is owned by the Auraria Library and many other libraries.
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