Research Guides: Find Biographical Sources: Resources

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Biography in Context MLIN [Gale] This link opens in a new window
Biographies from dictionaries, encyclopedias, and magazines. (Formerly Biography Resource Center.)
American National Biography This link opens in a new window
Reliable scholarly biographies of major figures in American history.
Oxford Dictionary of National Biography This link opens in a new window
50,000 biographies of the men and women who shaped all aspects of Britain's past, from the 4th century BC to the year 2001. 2nd edition, with illustrations.
Marquis Who's Who This link opens in a new window
Searchable biographies from Who's Who in America, Who was Who in America, and the regional and subject Who's Who titles.

Biography and Genealogy Master Index [Gale] This link opens in a new window
Indexes reference sources containing biographical entries on individuals, both living and deceased, from every field of activity and region of the world.
Biography Index Past and Present [EBSCO] 1946+ This link opens in a new window
Indexes articles, books, and autobiographies for people from antiquity to the present and from all fields and nationalities.
Ancestry (Library Edition) This link opens in a new window
Census, vital, church, court & immigration records for the US & UK, plus material on other areas. Major components: US federal census 1790-1940 (incl. manuscript returns); historical maps; Social Security Death Index; etc.

Complete Dictionary of Scientific Biography Full text articles on scientists, from classical antiquity to modern times.
Database of Diverse Databases
100+ Databases Featuring Talent From Underrepresented Groups
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"As we move toward a more equitable world, every industry is going to need new networks and resources to help them connect with talented people of color. In the spirit of this shared goal, Editors of Color is pleased to provide links to other databases of diverse talent."
Deutsche Biographie
Covers German women and men who have made significant political, economic, social, scientific, technical, or artistic achievements.
Dictionary of Irish Biography Covers Irish men and women who made a significant contribution in Ireland and abroad, and those born overseas who had noteworthy careers in Ireland.

Dictionary of Literary Biography [Gale] This link opens in a new window
Lengthy literary biographies by recognized literary scholars and critics, covering past & present authors, historians, journalists, screenwriters, publishers, and playwrights.

Gale Literary Index
Sources for biographies of writers in many disciplines.
Oxford Dictionary of African Biography
Politics in America [CQ]
Profiles of members of Congress - personalities, political styles, legislative agendas, political ambitions, and reputations.