WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
How To Do Research Papers on
African-American Studies
by
Donna L. Gilton
(1985)
Revisions
by
Andy Stanford
(1991)
I. FIND SOME TOPIC IN THIS FIELD THAT
INTERESTS YOU
Read, skim and browse through these sources to determine
current issues in the field. Then decide on several topics that
would be of interest to you. Many of these sources include
introductory essays, subject terms and citations.
A. Handbooks and Guides
1. The Black American Reference Book. Ref. E 185 .D25 1976
Introductory essays on almost all aspects of Black Studies
including the legal status of the Black American, the Black
American worker, the Black family, the Black woman, young
Black Americans, Afro-American religion, Afro-Americans in
politics, Black literature, music and art, etc. Essays are
by people outstanding in their respective fields. Each
essay is followed by a brief bibliography. This source is
especially recommended for researcher and students who do
not know where to begin.
2. International Library of Afro-American Life and History.
Ref. E 185.6 .W4 1978x
A ten volume work on many aspects of Black history. One
volume, Historical Afro-American Biographies, contains
essays on Black historical figures.
3. The Negro Almanac: A Reference Work on the Afro-American.
Ref. E 185 .N385 1983
Essays, statistics and other data on all aspects of Black
studies, including history, civil rights, law and politics,
studies of the Black population, the Black family and the
Black worker, education, the military, sports, the arts and
the sciences, the media, religion and many other subjects.
There is also information on African countries as well as on
Black people in the western hemisphere. This volume
includes biographical information on a number of individuals
as well as a directory of organizations. This is an
important first to consult for introductory information on
any aspect of Black studies and for current data.
4. The Negro Handbook. Ref. E 185 .E2
Sections on population, vital statistics, civil rights,
crime, education, libraries, the economy, government and
politics, the armed forces, religion, the professions, farms
and farming, sports, creative arts, the press and monuments.
There is also a biographical dictionary and obituaries.
There is information here in the form of statistics,
directories and essays. however, since the book is almost
twenty years old, it is very dated. Much of the information
here can be found in other sources. However, a good deal of
the data here is of historical interest and some of it has
not been recorded elsewhere at all. Use supplement with
other sources.
5. The Negro in American History. Ref. E 185 .N4
A documentary history of Black America. Volume I covers the
years 1928-1968, volume II, 1854-1927 and volume III,
156701854.
B. Current Periodicals
These sources include many articles on current aspects of
Afro-American studies. Browse through some of them if you are
still unsure of your topic.
1. Black Academy Review 1970-1972 Helm 2
2. Black American Literature Forum 1976- Helm 2
3. Black Enterprise 1970- Helm 2
4. Black Law Journal 1972-1974 Law Library
5. Black News Digest 1971-1981 Cravens 7
6. Black Politician 1969-1971 Helm 2
7. Black Scholar 1969- Helm 2
8. Black World 1970-1976 Helm 2
9. Blues World 1971- Helm 2
10. CLA Journal 1975- Helm 2
11. Chicago Defender current issues Helm 2
12. Civil Rights Digest 1967-1979 Cravens 7
13. Commerce, The Journal of Minority Business 1981- Cravens 7
14. Crisis 1910-1940; 1969- Helm 2
15. Ebony 1964- Helm 2
16. Interracial Books for Children 1977- Helm 2
17. Jet current issues only Helm 2
18. Journal of Black Psychology 1979- Helm 2
19. Journal of Black Studies 1970- Helm 2
20. Journal of Negro Education 1932-1958; 1960-1984 Helm 2
21. Journal of Negro History 1916- Helm 2
22. Living Blues 1970-1975 Helm 2
23. Minority Voices 1981- Cravens 7
24. Negro American Literature Forum 1970-1976 Helm 2
25. Negro History Bulletin 1937-1948; 1951- Helm 2
26. Phylon 1940- Helm 2
27. Review of Black Political Economy 1976- Helm 2
28. Southern Exposure 1974- Helm 2
C. Lists of Periodicals
1. Black Periodicals and Newspapers. Ref Z 1361 .W59 1979
This is a library union list of Black periodicals and
newspapers held by selected Wisconsin libraries.
2. Guide to Scholarly Journals in Black Studies. Ref. Z1361
.N39 G83
This is a publication guide for scholars in Black studies.
Twenty-six journals are described and there is also valuable
information on the major differences between the most
important style manuals and on how to submit manuscripts.
Periodical entries include background information, general
information on content, submission information and
subscription information.
3. Katz. Magazines for Libraries. Ref Z 6921 .N2 1982 p. 49-
54. At reference desk.
Includes an annotated list of Afro-American periodicals.
4. Newspapers and Periodicals By and About Black People:
South-Eastern Library Holdings. Ref. Z 1361 .N67 1978
This is a library union list of Black magazines owned by
southern libraries. This enables the researcher to locate
periodicals not owned by Western Kentucky University, in
order to acquire copies of articles through interlibrary
loan.
5. Schockley, Ann Allen. "A Descriptive Bibliography of
Selected African and Afro-American Periodicals." Handbook
of Black Librarianship. p. 143-152. Ref. Z 711.9 .H35
An annotated bibliography of major African and Afro-American
periodicals.
6. The Standard Periodical Directory. Ref. Z 6951 .S78
1983/1984 At reference desk.
A list of periodicals, reports, directories, newsletters and
other serials of Black and African interests (Section 1980)
as well as related serials in history (0970), political
science (1780), sociology (2070) and other fields of
specific interest.
7. Ulrich's International Periodicals Directory. Ref. Z 6941
.U5 1984 At reference desk.
Includes an international list of periodicals of ethnic
interest. (Vol. I p. 597-616)
D. Dictionaries and Encyclopedias
1. The National Cyclopedia of the Colored Race. Ref. E 185
.N27
An encyclopedia of prominent Black individuals, schools,
churches and organizations of the early twentieth century.
Of historical interest.
E. Statistical Sources
1. American Statistics Index. Cravens 7 Index Table 2
An annual master guide and index to the statistical
publications of the U.S. government. This is published in
two volumes, the index volume and the abstract volume. The
index volume is organized by subject, name of organizations
and category breakdown which includes geographic area,
economic breakdowns, such as income, industry and occupation
and demographic breakdowns, including race. Each citation
in the index volume includes the name of the document and a
number which is used to locate the document. Documents in
the abstracts volume are in numerical order by agency and by
type of document. Each document is thoroughly annotated.
The first place to come when looking for government
statistics.
2. Atlas of Demographics. Atlas G 1201 .E2 I5 1982 On atlas
stand I
Includes a map of the U.S. which shows the percentages of
Black population in countries.
3. Bureau of the Census Catalog 1984 Cravens 7 Reference shelf
C 3.163/3 : 984
This source lists all Bureau publications and annotates all
works released in recent years. The Eureau publishes
population, housing, business and economic statistics that
are national, state-wide, county-wide, and local in scope.
Many of these statistics are broken down by race.
Information on where to find or how to order material is
included.
4. County and City Data Book. Cravens 7 Ref. Shelf C 3.134 :
C83/2/983
A supplement to the Statistical Abstracts of the United
States. This presents a variety of statistical information
for countries, SMSAs, cities and unincorporated areas. many
of these statistics are on local and regional Black
populations. Examples include the countries in the U.S.
with the highest proportion of Afro-Americans; percentages
of Black populations in the major cities; Black populations
in states and regions; Black population in counties and
other areas.
5. Current Population Reports. U.S. Bureau of the Census
Cravens 7 C 3 . 186
Current population statistics, mostly on the U.S. as a
whole. This comes in five series. Series P-20 is about
population characteristics in general, P-23 consists of
special studies on specific populations such as Afro-Americans, P-25 documents are population estimates and
projects, P-26 documents are local population estimates and
P-60 consists of consumer income studies of specific
populations. Examples of reports that are of interest to
Black studies students are: Housing Successions Among
Blacks and Whites in Cities and Suburbs. (C 3.186 : P-23/101) ; The Social and Economic Status of the Black
Population in the United States: An Historical View 1790-1978. (C 3.186 : P-23/80) and Population Estimates by Race,
For States : July 1, 1973 and 1975. Many of the other
statistics in all of these series are broken down by race.
For more information, ask for Subject Index to Current
Population Reports (C 3.186 : P-23/109 Reference shelf) and
the United States Bureau of the Census Current Population
Reports P-20, P-23, P-25, P-26, P-60 (Reference shelf. C
3.186 : P-23/109).
6. Demographics of the Black Population in the United States:
An Annotated Bibliography. Ref. Z 1361 .N39 M6 1983
This is a valuable source of non-governmental statistics on
Afro-Americans and explanations of demographic trends.
There is an introductory essay that explains the
implications of Black demographics and that suggest some
areas of future research.
7. Employment and Earnings. Cravens 7 LZ 41/2 (current issues
on Government Documents periodicals shelf)
Current employment and unemployment statistics. Some of the
data is broken down by race.
8. Handbook of Labor Statistics. LZ 3/5 : 985 (On Government
Documents reference shelf)
Employment, unemployment, earnings and statistics. Some of
this data is broken down by race. Statistics include school
enrollment.
9. State and Metropolitan Area Date Book. Cravens 7 (On
reference shelf) C 3 134/5 : 982
Statistical information on Standard Metropolitan Statistical
Area, (SMSAs), central cities and regions, divisions and
states. The information is similar to that in the County
and City Data Book.
10. Statistical Abstract of the United States. (Cravens 7.
Also at reference desk.) Annual.
This is the most comprehensive compilation of industrial,
social, political and economic statistics for the United
States. This data is arranged by broad category, i.e.
population, education, communication, etc. Many of these
statistics are broken down by race.
11. Statistical Sources. Ref. Z 7551 .S84
This subject guide includes sources of statistics on the
Black population and on minority races.
12. U.S. Bureau of the Census - Factfinder for the Nation.
Cravens 7 C 3.252:
A monthly newsletter with clear and detailed descriptions of
the Bureau of the Census statistics. The December 1982
issue is a good introduction to and overview of the census
bureau's program and products. Other issues describe
minority statistics (June, 1979), reference sources
population statistics and availability of census records
about individuals. The source on minority statistics
describes how data is gathered and used, the types of
statistics collected and the source of the statistical
reports.
13. U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census. Minority
Owned Business Enterprises 1977. Cravens 7 C 3.258 : 77-
An extensive statistical survey of minority owned firms.
Volume I is on business owned by Afro-Americans, Volume II
is on business owned by people of Spanish origin, Volume III
is about businesses owned by Asian-Americans, Native
Americans and others and Volume IV is a summary of the
entire set. Statistics for Black-owned firms are by
industry, region and state and SMSA. Information includes
the number of firms in any category, gross receipts the
number of employees and the annual payroll.
14. U.S. Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Special Labor Force Report. LZ .98
Specialized labor statistics. Many of these statistics are
broken down by race. Examples of reports of interest to
Black studies students are Employment and Unemployment:
Today; School and Work Among Youth During the 1970's;
Multiple Jobholders in May 1979; and Labor Force Patterns of
Single Women.
F. Biographical Information
1. Afro-American Encyclopedia Vol. 1-10. Ref. E 185 .A28
In spite of the fact that there is some general information
here, this is mainly a biographical encyclopedia that
features brief biographical descriptions of noteworthy Afro-Americans from all fields. This source contains entries on
people who may otherwise be difficult to locate.
2. Biography Index. Ref. Z 5301 .B5
This source indexes biographical information found in
periodicals and books.
3. Biography and Genealogy Master Index. Ref. Z 5305 .U5 B57
1980 On index table IV
this source refers the researcher to other biographical
sources. Many names are included. This is a very good
place to look for obscure names or for people who are
difficult to find.
4. Black Americans in Autobiography. Ref. Z 1361 .N39 B67 1984
An annotated bibliography and union list of Black
autobiographies and autobiographical books. There is a
separate list of reprints of works that were originally
written before 1865.
5. Civil Rights Struggle: Leaders in Profile. Ref. E 185.96
.D38
Biographical information on civil rights leaders, civil
rights opponents and other prominent people of that time.
6. Current Biography. Ref. CT 100 .C8 1979
On index table IV
Extensive biographical essays of people who are currently in
the news. Many Afro-Americans are covered in this source,
but it is necessary to use the index to locate specific
people. Articles are followed by references.
7. Dictionary of American Negro Biography. Ref. E 185.96 .D53
1982
Extensive biographical essays on Black achievers of he past
many of whom are not well known. Some of these essays
include bibliographic information.
8. Great Negroes Past and Present. Ref. 185.96 .A4 1964
Brief biographical essays on prominent Afro-Americans.
9. In Black and White. Ref. Z1= 1861 .N39 S6555 1980
An index to biographical information on Black people. there
is a brief description of each person listed and then a
listing of the reference books and the periodicals articles
where information about the person can be found. Some
people not found elsewhere are listed here.
10. Index to Black Writers in Collective Bibliographies.
Ref. Z 1229 .N39 C35 1983 On index table IV
This source gives information on biographies of writers that
are in biographical anthologies. There is an emphasis here
on late twentieth century writers, though many others are
included. This is an excellent source of hard-to-find data.
11. The McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of World Biography. Ref. CT
103 .M27 1973x
A number of prominent Afro-Americans of the past and present
are described in this 12 volume set (See volume 12- The
American History Study Guide p. 7-27.) Each essay is
followed by suggestions for further reading.
12. Who's Who Among Black Americans. Ref. E 185.96 W52
1975/76/77/78/80/81.
A biographical directory of prominent Afro-Americans who are
still active
G. Directories
1. The Black Woman in American Society. Ref. Z 1361 . N39 D36
See section II B Bibliographies.
2. A Directory of Ethnic Publishers and Resource Organization.
Ref. E 184 .Al S57 1979
A directory of minority organizations that publish. Entries
include the organization's name, address and telephone
numbers, a statement of the organization's major purpose or
emphasis and a description of publications. There is a
classified index at the end of the volume.
3. Ethnic Heritage Studies: Program Catalog 1974-1979.
Ref. Z 1361 .E4 M33
A directory of ethnic studies projects funded by the Ethnic
Heritage Studies Program. Entries include information on
the name and address of the organization involved, the name
of the project director, the ethnic groups studied, subject
areas, the intended audience or grade level, format of
material produced, the year funded, the amount of funding, a
listing of publications or productions and a descriptions of
activities, products, and publications. This is a good
source for elementary, secondary or college teachers looking
for materials on ethnic studies.
4. Josey, E.J. and Ann Allen Schockley. Handbook of Black
Librarianship. Z711.9 .H35
This source includes directories of African collections in
the U.S., Black special libraries, library holdings on Afro-American collections, major Black oral history programs,
Afro-American museums and historical societies, Black
library schools, public libraries that serve predominantly
Black communities, Black academic libraries, Black=owned
bookstores and Black book publishers.
5. Minority Organizations: A National Directory. Ref. E 184
.Al M544 1982
An alphabetical listing of Black American, Native American,
Asian-American, and Hispanic oriented organizations. Each
entry includes the name and address of the organization as
well as a brief description.
6. Wynar, Lubomyar and Lois Buttlar. Guide to Ethnic Museums
Libraries and Archives in the United States. Ref. E 184 .Al
W95
A directory of libraries, cultural centers, bibliographic centers, museums, historical associations, foundations, and
other organizations for Afro-Americans and other ethnic
groups. There is also a brief, but very helpful
bibliographic essay at the beginning of the Black American
section on other sources of information.
II. DO A LITERATURE SEARCH
This will narrow down the topics that interest you to one
subject and further define this subject. Look for both general
writings and research in these sources.
A. Periodicals Indexes and Abstracts
1. Abstracts in Anthropology Helm 2
2. Abstracts in Popular Culture Helm 2
3. Abstracts in Criminology and Penology Helm 2
4. Abstracts on Police Science Helm 2
5. America. History and Life Helm 2
6. Art Index Helm 2
7. Book Review Digest Ref. Index table II
8. Book Review Index Ref. Index table II
9. Business Periodicals Index Helm 2
10. Chicorel Theatre Index to Plays Ref. Index Table I
11. Chicorel Theatre Index to Plays in Periodicals Ref. Index
Table I
12. Chicorel Index to Poetry Ref. Index Table I
13. Chicorel Index to Short Stories Ref. Index Table I
14. Child Development Abstracts and Biblography Helm 2
15. Cummulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Care Helm 2
16. Current Index to Journals in Education (CIJE) Helm 2
17. Education Index Helm 2
18. Essay and General Literature Index Ref. Index Table I
19. Granger's Index to Poetry Ref. Index Table 1
20. Hospital Literature Index Helm 2
21. Humanities Index Helm 2
22. Index to Book Reviews in the Humanities Helm 2
23. Index to Free Periodicals Helm 2
24. Index to Journals in Communication Studies Helm 2
25. Index to Legal Periodicals Law Library
26. Language and Language Behavior Abstracts Helm 2
27. Library Literature Helm 2
28. MLA International Bibliography Ref. Index Table I
29. Music Index Helm 2
30. The New York Times Index Helm 2
31. Ottermiller's Index to Plays in Collections Ref. Index
Table I
32. The Philosopher's Index Helm 2
33. Play Index Ref. Index Table I
34. Poverty and Human Resources Abstracts Helm 2
35. Psychological Abstracts Helm 2
36. Public Affairs Information Service (PAIS) Reference
37. Religion Index One: Periodicals Helm 2
38. Resources in Education (RIE) Helm 2
39. RILA Abstracts of Music Literature Helm 2
40. Sage Public Administration Abstracts Helm 2
41. Sage Race Relations Abstracts Helm 2
42. Sage Urban Studies Abstracts Helm 2
43. Short Story Index Ref. Index Table I
44. Social Sciences Index Helm 2
45. Social Work Research and Abstracts Helm 2
46. Writings on American History Helm 2
B. Bibliographies
General Bibliographies, Catalogs and Union Lists
1. Bibliographic Index. Ref. Z 1002 .B595 On Index Table I
Indexes mainly bibliographies of books and articles even
though some separate bibliographies are included. Look
under the terms "Blacks" "Afro-Americans" and "Afro-American
." As well as "see also" references to more specific
terms. A good source to find bibliographies on specific
subjects.
2. Bibliographies Survey: The Negro in Print. Ref. Z 1361
.N39 N39
This bibliographic periodical was published several times a
year by the Negro Bibliographic and Research Center in
Washington D.C. It was published in the years 1965-1971.
Issues included reviews of current Black-related fiction and
non-fiction published for the general reader as well as
books for young readers, paperbacks and other information.
Some reviews of materials on other minority groups are also
included. Volumes end with author and title indexes.
3. Bibliography of American Ethnology. | 1361 .E4 C37
Brief annotated bibliographies of ethnic groups including
Afro-Americans. The Afro-American bibliography is the
largest in the volume. It is organized by subject.
4. Black Access: A Bibliography of Afro-American
Bibliographies Ref. Z 1361 .N39 N578 1984
An alphabetical listing of Black studies, bibliographies,
ect. There is a subject index which provides access to
specialized bibliographies.
5. Black America: A Research Bibliography. Ref. Z 1361 .N39
1978.
An introductory annotated bibliography on all aspects of
Black studies.
6. Black American Writers. Ref. Z 1361 .N39 M39
This is an annotated bibliography and union list of Afro-American fiction and non-fiction writers active in the years
1773-1949. The emphasis here is on the non-fiction writer.
This work is organized in chapters by subject. A very
useful guide to locate early scholarly work by Black
authors.
7. Black Culture Collection. Ref. Z 1361 .N39 B5x
A xeroxed reproduction of the Atlanta University catalog on
Black culture.
8. Blacks in America. Ref. Z 1361 .N39 B56
An important book of biographical essays on all aspects of
Black life up to 1970. After reading sources such as The
Black American Reference Book (Ref. E 185 .D25 1976) and The
Negro Almanac (Ref. E 185 .N385 1983) and after deciding on
a topic, this is a vital work to consult about other
sources. This bibliography gives some subject background
and then critically analyzes and compares the sources under
consideration.
9. Chandler, Sue P. "A Selected Annotated List of Reference
Books Reflecting the Black Experience." Handbook of Black
Librarianship. p. 143-142. Ref. Z 711.9 .H35
An annotated bibliography on basic Afro-American reference
tools for the public, high school, and college library.
10. Dictionary Catalog of the Arthur B. Springarn Collection of
Negro Authors. Ref. Z 1361 .N39 H78
A book catalog of the Springarn collection of Howard
University which, along with the Schomber Collection in New
York, is one of the biggest collection of Afro-Americana in
the U.S.
11. Directory of Afro-American Resources. Ref. Z1361 .N39 R3
A directory of libraries, agencies and organizations that
collect Black study materials. This source is in
alphabetical order by state, city and then organization.
Entries include the name, address, and telephone number of
the institution, the name of a contact person and, in some
cases, names and brief descriptions of specific collections.
This is a very useful source in locating papers, manuscripts
and other rare historical materials.
12. Ethnic Heritage Studies: Program Catalog 1974-1979. Ref. Z
1361 .E4 M3
See section I G Directories
13. Johnson, Harry A. (ed.) Ethnic American Minorities. Ref E
184 .A1 J58
An annotated bibliography of books, multimedia and other
educational materials on ethnic minorities for the secondary
school student and his teacher. Each section includes an
extensive essay summarizing the history of the minority
group under discussion and describing the cultural and
educational needs of young people from these groups.
14. Josey, E.J. Handbook of Black Librarianship. Ref. Z 711.9
.H35
This handbook includes several bibliographical essays on
African and Afro-American studies as well as articles on how
to procure materials from Africa and how to establish Afro-American collections.
15. Miller, Wayne Charles. A Comprehensive Bibliography for the
Study of American Minorities. Ref. Z 1361 .E4 M529 (2
vols.)
Extensive annotated bibliography on all ethnic groups. Vol.
I is about ethnic groups of African, Middle Eastern and
European descent. Vol. II is about groups of Caribbean and
Asian descent, as well as Native Americans and Hispanic
Americans. The Afro-American bibliography includes
bibliographies, guides to collections, encyclopedias and
handbooks, periodicals, including journals of historical
interest and the title and location of individual
newspapers, history books, and books on the civil rights
movements, Black nationalism, sociology, education, the
urban situation, economics, politics, psychology, health and
many other subjects.
16. Minorities and Women: A Guide to Reference Literature in
the Social Sciences. Ref Z 136l .E4 S3x
Brief annotated bibliographies of fact books, biographical
sources, documentary sources, directories, statistical
sources and citation sources on racial minorities and on
women.
17. Multi-Ethnic Media: Selected Bibliographies in Print.
Ref. Z 1361 .E4 M85
This is a bibliography of bibliographic essays and
bibliographies on racism in children's books and materials
and resources on minority groups for children, young people
and teachers who work with the young. The entries are
annotated.
18. The Negro in America: A Bibliography Ref. Z1361 .N 39 M5
1970
An extensive bibliography on all aspects of Black studies.
Brief annotations are included for some sources. This
source ends with a useful guide to further research. A good
work to use for sources of more information once a research
topic is decided upon.
19. The Negro in the United States: A Research Guide. Ref. Z
1361 .N39 W4 1965
This is a good general introduction to Black life and
history (at least up to 1965). It describes, compares, and
analyzes basic historical sources in the field and gives
brief overviews of subjects as well. It should be used as
background reading in conjunction with more current sources.
20. The Negro in the United States: A Selected Bibliography
Ref. Z1361 .N39 P59
A selected general bibliography of the most cited and most
requested material on Black Studies that is owned by the
Library of Congress. Some entries include brief
annotations. This source is organized in chapters by
subject. This is another useful tool to use in obtaining
more information on specific subjects.
21. No Crystal Stair: A Bibliography of Black Culture Ref.
Z1361 .N39 N53 1971
This bibliography for general readers was compiled by the
staff of the New York Public Library. It is the tenth
edition of the ongoing bibliography The Negro in the United
States which was first published in 1925. Several classes
from earlier editions are included here, but the emphasis is
on books published in the years 1966-1970. Brief
annotations are included.
22. Oaks, Pricilla. Minority Studies: A Selective Annotated
Bibliography. Ref. Z1361 .E4 024
An annotated bibliography on minority groups. The Afro-American bibliography which is relatively short here,
includes bibliographical works, periodicals, books on
history, politics, education, general culture and community
life and literature by and about Afro-Americans.
23. Readers Advisory Service. Ref Z 1007 .R313 No. 8
On index table I
This source includes a number of bibliographies on specific
Black sources. There is a cummulative index in Vol. 7
number 4 (1980), as well as annual indexes in subsequent
volumes.
24. Wynar, Lubomyer and Lois Buttlar. Ethnic Film and Filmstrip
Guide for Libraries and Media Centers. Ref. E 184 .Al W943
An annotated filmography of films and filmstrips about Afro-Americans and other ethnic groups. There is also a brief
bibliography of additional sources of information on Afro-American films and filmstrips.
Literature, Language and Communication
1. Afro American Fiction 1853-1976: A Guide to Information
Sources. Ref. Z1361 .N39 M3x
This source includes an alphabetical and unannotated
checklist of novels; unannotated list of short story
collections, both by individual authors and in anthologies;
an annotated list of bibliographies and general studies; and
a list of bibliographies and critical studies on Charles
Chestnutt, Jean Toomer, Zora Neale Hurston, Richard Wright,
Chester Himes, Ann Petry, William Demby, Ralph Ellison,
Paule Marshall, John A. Williams, Ernest Gaines, Ishmael
Reed, and Toni Morrison. This later list includes brief
annotations.
2. Afro-American Writers. Ref. Z 1361 .N39 T78
this is an annotated bibliography on Afro-American
literature divided into sections on aids to research,
background sources, literary history and criticism and Afro-American writers. The guides to research include
bibliographies, guides to collections, reference tools and
specialized periodicals. The background bibliographies list
general sources on Afro-Americans useful to researchers in
Afro-American literature. Anthologies and works of literary
criticism are also listed. Author entries include listings
of work by the author, bibliographies about him or her, and
works of biography and criticism about him or her.
3. Black American Poetry Since 1944: A Preliminary Checklist
Ref Z 1361 .N39 D4x
An unannotated list of poetry by Black authors. This
supplements North american Negro Poets (Ref. z 1361 .n39
p61) lists writer of poetry from 1760-1944.
4. Black Rhetoric: A Guide to Afro-American Communication Ref.
Z 1361 .n39 P6
This is a checklist and union list of Afro-American poetry
written before 1945. It is updated by Black American Poetry
Since 1944: A Preliminary Checklist. (ref Z 1361 .N39 D4x)
Religion
1. Afro-American Religious Studies. Ref. Z 1361 .N39 W55
A bibliography on every aspect of the Black religious
experience in the U.S., as well as a source of
bibliographies that give background information on
indigenous and Christian religions in Africa.
2. Black Women and Religion Ref. Z1361 .n39 R53
An annotated bibliography of literature, music, art and
general books, articles, audiovisual materials and reference
materials on Black women and religion.
The Young, the Old, Women and Families
1. American Black Women in the Arts and Social Sciences. Ref.
Z1361 .N39 R324 1977
A list of reference books, anthologies, literature and
historical, social and cultural studies on Black women.
There are also listings of books and other works by and
biographies and criticisms of individuals.
2. Black and Mexican American Aging: A Selected Bibliography
Ref. Z 1361 .N39 R324 1977
Brief unannotated bibliographies of publications, papers,
dissertations, and government documents on Black and Chicano
aging. there is also a brief bibliography on other
bibliographies.
3. Black Child Development in America 1927-1977. Ref. Z 1361
.N39 M94
Extensive and thoroughly annotated bibliographies on the
language, physical, cognitive, personality and social
development of Black children. There is a critical
introductory essay describing controversies in the field.
4. Black Children and Their Families. Ref. Z 1361 .N39 D898
An extensive bibliography on Black family life. Listed are
books and articles on adoption, education, health and health
care, family life, life in the Black community, mental
health and sex, contraception and family planning, as well
as a "kaledescopic view". Other bibliographies and
reference are included.
5. The Black Family in the United States. Ref. Z 1361 .N39
D355
An annotated bibliography of books, articles, and
dissertations on many aspects of U.S. Black family life,
including slavery, religion, occupations, economics,
education, health, and sex. Sections are devoted to urban
and rural families as well as poor, lower-class and middle
class families.
History
1. Afro-American History: A Bibliography. Ref. Z 1361 .N39
S56
An annotated bibliography on all eras in Black history up to
1975. There is an index to more specific subjects.
2. Afro-American History Volume II Ref. Z 1361 .N39 S56 v.2
This is an update of Afro-American History: A Bibliography
that includes more recent abstracts of the period up to 1975
and some abstracts of developments since then.
3. Black Contributions to the American West. Ref. Z 1361 .N39
A27
A bibliography and union list of all aspects of Afro-American life in Montana, wyoming, New Mexico, Idaho,
Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, Oregon,
California, Alaska, and Hawaii
4. Blacks in Minnesota: A Preliminary Guide to Historical
Sources. Z 1361 .N39 T27
This is brief bibliography on all aspects of Black history
in Minnesota. Oral interviews, manuscripts, and some books
are annotated and there is also information on photographs
of notable Afro-Americans and buildings important in Black
Minnesota history.
5. A Layman's Guide to Negro History. Ref. Z 1361 .N39 S23
1967
A chronology and bibliography on Black history. There are
bibliographies on specific periods, such as pre-Civil War
America; specific subjects such as social and economic
aspects of Black history; and on specific media information
such as records, film strips and critical materials.
6. The Ohio Black History Guide. Ref. Z 1361 .N39 055
Printed materials, dissertations, theses, manuscripts,
government records and audiovisual materials on Black life
and history in Ohio. Manuscript and government entries are
annotated.
Social Sciences
1. Black-White Racial Attitudes. ref. Z 1361 .N39 028
This is an annotated bibliography on racial attitudes in
children, young people and adults. There is a brief
introductory essay as well as author and subject indexes.
2. The Economics of Minorities. Ref. Z 1361 .N39 G26 1976x
An annotated bibliography on economics and members of racial
minorities. Most of this work is on Afro-American but there
are also chapters on Native Americans, and Spanish
Americans. The Afro-American chapters are on the quality
and economic returns of black education; Black migration;
residential housing markets; economic development of the
Black community; Black consumers; how the manpower policies
of the business community affect Afro-Americans and the
labor movement and the government.
3. Poverty, Participation, Protest, Power and Black Americans.
Ref. Z 1361 .M39 D9
An annotated bibliography of Black social work and activism.
4. The Study and Analysis of Black Politics. Ref. Z 1361 .N39
W29
An unannotated bibliography of Black people and political
activity, major political parties, national elections,
international politics, urban politics, public roles, and
the Supreme Court. There are also bibliographies on Black
pressure groups and politicians and Black political behavior
and political thought. There is an introductory essay of
Black politics and each chapter opens with a brief overview.
C. COM Catalog
Many titles on Afro-American subjects and more specific
topics are listed in the subject section of the COM catalog.
There are several ways to get subject headings.
1. Experiment - Think up a subject term yourself or draw some
from the literature. If nothing is listed under that term,
either similar terms are used or there is a "see" or "see
also" reference. Another approach is to start with a very
specific term and then more general terms if the specific
one is not listed.
2. Library of Congress Subject Headings - Ask for this at the
reference desk. This source lists terms used in our catalog
as well as related terms and call numbers.
3. Tracings - When you find a course, check for relevant
subject headings at the bottom of the card and use them to
find other sources.
4. Call Number - Look up any source you find by call number on
the shelf. While you are there, browse through he shelf for
similar titles.
D. Online Searching
1. To search or not to search--Doing an online search can be a
quick way of finding many sources on your subject. this can
save a great deal of time. Some databases also have more
information online than in printed form. On the other hand,
a search can be very expensive, especially if the subject is
very complex. there is also no guarantee that you will get
a good deal of relevant data in your results. It is best to
have a search done when you are trying to combine two or
more subjects or aspects of subjects that are not readily
available in a printed database. Multidisciplinary searches
can also be done on a number of databases, but this can be
very expensive.
2. Information available online that is relevant to Afro-American studies
a. citations and in some cases, whole articles.
b. statistics
c. other information
3. Databases relevant to Afro-America studies that can be
searched online
a. America: History and Life
b. Biography Master Index
c. BLS Employment, Hours, and Earnings
d. Cerdata
e. Donnelly Demographics
f. ERIC
g. Family Resources
h. Magazine Index
i. MLA Bibliographies
j. PAIS International
k. Psychinfo
Revisions Fall 1991 by Andy Stanford, graduate assistant,
Department of History, WKU.
Bergman, Peter. The Chronological History of the Negro in America, Ref. E 185.B46
Encyclopedia of Black America, ed. W.A. Low, Ref. E 185.E55
Adler, Mortimer, van Dorn, Ducas, eds. The Negro in American History, Three Volumes, ref. E 185.N4
Garwood, Alfred. Black Americans; A Statistical Sourcebook, 1990
edition, Ref. E. 185.5 .B5x
Smith, Darren. Black Americans Information Directory 1990-1991, Ref. E. 185.5 .B513
Statistical Record of Black America, Ref. E 185.5 .S73x.
Cantor, George. Historic Landmarks of Black America, Ref. E 185.53 Al C36.
U.S. Bureau of Census, Negroes in the U.S. 1920-1932, Ref. E 185.6 .U5853
Ianniello, Lynne. Milestones Along the March; 12 Historic Civil Rights Documents from World War II to Selma Ref. E. 185.61
I2
Rabinowitz, Howard. Southern Black Leaders of the Reconstruction
Era, Ref. E 185.92 .S68.
African Heritage Bibliography ref. Z 1361 .N39 A275x
The Black Experience: A Bibliography of Bibliographies 1970-1975
Ref. Z 1361 .N39 B67
Black Adolescence: Current Issues and annotated Bibliography, Ref. Z 1361 .N39 B495
Black Immigration and Ethnicity in the United States Ref. Z 1361 .n39 B553
Blacks in America Ref. Z 1361 .N39 B56
Brignano, Russell. Black Americans in Autobiography Ref. z 1361 .N39 B67
The Black Aged in the U.S., Ref. Z 1361 .N39 D354
Davis, Nathaniel. Afro-American Reference, Ref. Z 1361 .N37
Dunmore, Charlotte. Poverty, Participation, Protest, Power, and Black Americans, Ref. Z 1361 .N39 D9
Walton, Hanes. Study and Analysis of Black Politics, Ref. z 1361
.N39 W29
Williams, Ora, American Black Women, Ref. Z 1361 .N39 W56
A Bibliography of the Negro in Africa and America, Ref. Z 1361 .N39 W 8
Western Kentucky University, Libraries Update,4 (Fall 1991): 1-2.
Ethnic and Cultural Diversity In America: An Overview of Resources in
University Libraries
Our ethnically diverse and multicultural society, of which the
university is a microcosm, presents unparalleled opportunities and
challenges for a university library to build useful collections that cover
a broad spectrum of interests, issues, and information for diverse
populations. Terms like "affirmative action," "quotas," "diversity," and
"multiculturalism" have shaped discussion for increasing numbers of books
and journals. This article focuses on recent books acquired by WKU
Libraries that describe either specific American ethnic minorities or that
treat particular issues currently debated. Also, the reader will find
suggestions on how to identify other relevant works by using the online
catalog TOPCAT.
Among major general sources are two award winners: Harvard
Encyclopedia of American Ethnic Groups (Reference E 184 .A1 H35); and, We
the People: An Atlas of American Ethnic Diversity (atlas E 184 .A1 A479
1988), also located in the reference area.
For specific ethnic or racial groups, the following titles merit
attention:
African Americans:
Middle Passage by Charles Johnson, a fictional but realistic account
of the slave trade in the 1830s, won the 1990 National Book Award (PS 3560
.03735 M5 1990); Black Women in the United States History, a 16-volume set
published in 1990 (E 185.86 .B543 1990); Martin Luther King, Jr. and Civil
Rights Movement, a 14-volume series published in 1989; and The Schomburg
Library of Nineteenth-Century Black Women Writers in 25 volumes appeared in
1988. To locate additional resources on this topic on TOPCAT, key in
s=Afro-Americans.
To locate other books on more general topiccs discussing ethnic and
cultural diversity, try the following keyword searches on TOPCAT:
Affirmative Action k=affirmative adj action
Multiculturalism k=multicultural$.ti
Cultural Diversity k=cultural same divers$
Minorities k=minorit$ (generates over 100 titles)
Race Relations k=race adj relations
Always feel free to ask a librarian for additional assistance in using the
online catalog or the microfiche catalog to find all the material you need
for research, personal interest, or other projects.
Book titles treating general issues of cultural and ethnic diversity are:
The Content of Our Character: A New Vision of Race in America, 1990
(E 185.615.S723);
Phoenix Arising: A Psycho-cultural Perspective on African American
Issues up to the 21st Century, 1990 (in process under document number
698485);
Minorities on Campus: A Handbook for Enhancing Diversity (LC 3731
.M5574 1989);
Achieving Quality and Diversity: Universities in a Multicultural
Society (LC 3727 .R52 1991); and,
Illiberal Education: The Politics of Race and Sex on Campus (LA 227
.4 .D77 1991).
In October 1993, the Periodicals Department(non-circulating) has begun
receiving the Louisville Defender. Microfilm copies of 1951-1968 issues of
the Louisville Defender are also available.