The document provides information about resources for finding biographies at W&J's library. It outlines that biographies can be found in the circulating collection, reference section, and several databases. The reference section contains multivolume sets providing biographies of literary figures, scientists, and historians. Subject-specific reference books cover topics like literature, science, and history. The circulating collection and online databases also offer additional biography resources.

1. Circulating Collection Databases
 W&J has many biographies in its We have several databases that provide
circulating collection. biographical information. U. Grant Miller
 To find a biography in the library’s 1. Contemporary Authors Database: Library
catalog, go to Includes biographical and bibliographical
http://www.washjeff.edu/library information on around 130,000 current
 Click on “Geotom Catalog” in the gray authors in many genres from around the
Quick Links box. world.
2. Current Biography Illustrated: The
electronic version of the reference book
Help Guide
Current Biography. Includes thousands
Biography
of entries and photographs of people
from 1940 to present day.
3. WorldAlmanac: Contains brief
biographies of various U.S. and interna-
tional people. Resources
Finding the biography of an
 Try using the Advanced Search form. historical or modern figure is
Biography.com
often an important step in
 Check out the research process.
http://www.biography.com/, Biographies provide
a website by A&E. necessary background
 Biography.com has articles
and videos providing
information about specific
biographical information on people throughout history.
a wide variety of people. This guide provides useful
resources to consult when
 Try a search with the name of the person
you want a biography for in the first box searching for a biography.
and “biography” in the second box.
Washington & Jefferson College
60 S. Lincoln St. Washington, PA 15301
Phone: 724-223-6070 User Services
Phone: 724-223-6072 Research Services
Fax: 724-223-5272
 This will return a list of the books in our www.washjeff.edu/library
library that contain a biography for that Washington & Jefferson College
person.

2. What is a biography? Reference Books Science
 A biography is a recording of “the events There are several sets of books in the library’s Dictionary of Scientific
and circumstances of another person’s life, Reference Section with biographical Biography
esp. for publication” (OED). information on literary, scientific, and historical Q141 .D5 1981
 A biography “seeks to re-create in words figures throughout the ages. This set provides biographies of
the life of a human being-as understood scientists from antiquity to modern
from the historical or personal perspective times.
of the author–by drawing upon all available Literature
evidence, including that retained in memory
as well as written, oral, and pictorial Notable Twentieth-Century
material” (Encyclopedia Britannica). Dictionary of Literary Biography Scientists
PN 451 .D53 v.10-v.365 Q141 .N73 1995
This large-volume set provides This set provides biographical
Where can I find biography resources? biographies and criticism of writers profiles of scientists from the 20th
from all eras and genres. Volumes century.
 At W&J’s library, we have many resources are specific to types of literature,
available that will provide accurate time periods, and writers.
biographies of a wide range of individuals.
 There are three main locations to find American Men & Women of
biographies: Science
1. The Reference Section, located on American Writers
PS 129 .A4 1974 Q141 .A51 2010 v.1-v.8
the far wall behind the Research This set provides biographies of This set provides biographies of
Services desk on the first floor American writers. Supplements today’s leaders in the physical,
2. The Circulating Collection, located cover writers not included in the biological, and other sciences.
on the first floor (A-E) and original set.
downstairs (F-Z)
3. Databases, located on W&J’s library
website at History
http://www.washjeff.edu/library
British Writers
 There are also online resources you can PR 85 .B688 1979
consult to find biographical information. This set provides biographies of
Current Biography Yearbook
British writers. Supplements cover CT100 .C8 1940-2009
writers not included in the original This set provides biographies of
Tips people in the news, including
set.
politicians, athletes, businessmen,
 To find similar titles to the ones listed in this and entertainers.
guide, check the shelves around the call
numbers given here. Books are shelved by
subject, so you might find a different book Contemporary Authors
better suited to your needs. Z 1224 .C58 v.1-v.191 Dictionary of World Biography
 Remember: reference books can’t be This set provides biographical CT104 .D54 1998 v.1-v.10
checked out and must be used in the sketches of the world’s most This set provides biographies of
library. Items in the circulating collection popular authors. This New Revision people who have shaped world
can be checked out. Series is up-to-date about many history, from ancient times to the
 Don’t hesitate to ask a librarian for help! modern authors. 20th century.
Just stop by the Research Services desk.