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Biographical Resources

To search efficiently for biographical information, first outline some basic information about the person in question, then develop a search strategy. Consider these factors as you start:

  • Is the person living or dead? If he/she is deceased, when did he/she live?
  • Where did he/she live?
  • What profession did he/she follow?
  • Is he/she a member of a particular ethnic, national, religious, social, or other community?
  • Do you need a brief sketch or a lengthy, detailed biography?

Many biographical reference sources relate to important factors in a person’s life, so you can make your biographical information search relatively easy if you consider them as you start.

Find biographical sources

Online
Biography databases - Internet sites

In Print
General sources - Subject specific


Wesleyan University Library online resources – Some of these resources may be available for the use of Wesleyan students, staff and faculty, only.

Databases

  • Biography Index is one of an array of useful index services offered as part of OCLC's FirstSearch databases - from the list of databases, select Biography Index to "enter" (you will need to type in your Wesleyan e-mail user name and password for access)
  • Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe offers access to a broad group of index services, many of which are full-text reference tools. For "people information", a first choice among the files is "Biographical Information". Another choice might be "Top News" or "General News Topics", which would favor persons who are currently or recently the subject of news stories. Biographical information is often sketchy if it is obtained from the latter files, but it may be better than no information at all.
  • A reference source as general as Britannica Online which is listed under the heading Indexes, Abstracts and Databases in Wesleyan’s online catalog, offers a rich array of biographical entries. A short sketch is offered first; however, it is usually linked to a longer profile and related topics.

WWW Biographical Sources

  • Biographical Dictionary is a Web site that offers more than 25,000 entries for men and women from around the world and throughout history. You may connect to it either through the above link or via the Library’s home page through "Useful Internet Resources". It can be searched through both basic and advanced modes. The site also presents links to other biography-related sites.
  • Biography.com is a commercial site, created by the A&E Television Networks. It offers a substantial number of brief sketches about people of all times and places. In common with the first site listed above, you may connect directly or via the Library’s home page.
  • The Internet Public Library offers a Biographies Reference directory which serves as a gateway to about 50 source sites of various themes. They cover such diverse subjects as Popes, Nobel Prize winners, women, African Americans, and general biographical directories.
  • Women’s International Center’s Web site links to its WIC Biography Index which connects to illustrated 1-page entries for, mostly, contemporary women and women of recent history.
  • The biography section of the library's Ready Reference Collection page (found under "Useful Internet Resources" on the library's home page) has a collection of links to several biographical sites.

 

Wesleyan University Library Print Resources – This is a sampler of the print tools available in Olin Memorial Library’s Campbell Reference Center. The list is far from complete. Most subject areas of the reference collection contain biographical sources; in other words, biographical volumes are not shelved in one or two places. For additional ideas, consult a reference librarian or browse the CTW Online Catalog. All titles listed, unless otherwise noted, are located in the reference collection’s shelving area, the northeast corner of the building’s main floor, near the reference assistance desk

General Biographical Sources – Indexes

  • Abridged Biography and Genealogy Master Index – Z 5305 U5 B572 1995– A 3-volume index to more than 2 million biographical entries from nearly 300 source publications.
  • Almanac of Famous People – Z 5301 A56 – Approximately 30,000 individuals from throughout history, to the present, are the subject of brief profiles which are enriched with references to source publications.
  • Biography Index – Z 5301 B5 – Since 1946, this has been a useful source of citations to books and biographical articles in magazines. It is updated quarterly. The Library subscribes, via OCLC FirstSearch to an online version of this index; however, the content of the database edition only dates to 1984.

General Biographical Sources – Contemporary Persons/General

  • Current Biography – CT 100 C8 – This monthly publication, which offers the convenience of annual cumulations and its own cumulative index, has been available since 1940. Profiles average 2 to 3 pages.
  • Who’s Who – DA 28 W6 – The standard title for current British notables. It has been published since 1849. Wesleyan keeps the latest in the Reference Collection and shelves the earlier volumes in the book stacks.
  • Who’s Who in America – E 176 W6 – Since 1899, this has been the standard source for American biographies; the latest edition is shelved in reference and the others are in the stacks.

General Biographical Sources – Retrospective/General

  • Dictionary of American Biography – E 176 D563 – This set, written by scholars, covers notable persons from all periods of United States history. Supplements bring coverage to 1980.
  • American National Biography - CT 213 A68 1999 - Oxford University Press, under the sponsorship of American Council of Learned Societies, has published a 24-volume reference set which is intended to replace Dictionary of American Biography. It contains more than 17,000 entries - intentionally more inclusive than the earlier publication - of persons who died before 1996. Entries, typically 1-2 pages in length, are signed and include bibliographical information.
  • Who Was Who in America – E 176 W64 – Its coverage, in the form of brief entries, begins with persons from the early 17th Century.
  • National Cyclopaedia of American Biography – E 176 N27 – Profiles are much longer than Who’s Who – type entries. They can be, thus, more useful. Coverage is from late 19th Century until 1984. There is a helpful cumulative index.
  • Dictionary of National Biography – DA 28 D4 – This is considered to be the most important source of English biography. Its entries are scholarly and they are signed. Supplements bring coverage to 1990.
  • Who Was Who – DA 28 W65 – This is a companion to Who’s Who, covering deceased persons. New volumes are added periodically.

 

Selective Sources – Afro-American:

  • Notable Black American Women - E 185.86 N68 - Essays average 2 pages and include photographs and bibliographies.
  • Who's Who Among African Americans - E 185.86 W46 - Persons of achievement are profiled in brief essays. Earlier editions of this work (entitled: Who's Who Among Black Americans) may be found in the stack collection under the call number E 185.86 W52

Selective Sources – American Public Affairs

  • Almanac of American Politics – JK 1012 A44 – The Almanac is a standard work in its field. In addition to offering overview articles of individual states and their congressional representation, the entries include photos and thumbnail sketches of the contemporary governors, congressmen and senators.
  • Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress 1774-1989 – Docs Ref 100-2: S Doc. 34 – Profiles of citizens who have served in Congress throughout its history.
  • Encyclopedia of the American Presidency – JK 511 E53 -- In common with the Almanac noted above, this is not primarily a biographical publication; however, it offers 5-7 page profiles of the presidents.
  • The Justices of the United States Supreme Court – KF 8744 F75 1995 – Coverage includes all justices, both contemporary and historical, in order of appointment. Profiles are extensive and include illustrations and bibliographies.
  • Who Was Who in the American Revolution – E 206 P87 – Sketches are brief, but useful, for this period of American history.

Selective Sources – Arts & Humanities

  • Baker’s Biographical Dictionary of Musicians – ML 105 B16 -- The biographies range from brief to extensive and cover musicians of the world and of all times. The latest is in Scores & Recordings Reference and the earlier edition is in Olin reference.
  • Contemporary Authors – Z 1224 C6 – This large set is continually published and updated. Entries average ½ to 2 pages and bibliographies are included. A cumulative index adds value to the set.
  • Contemporary Poets – PR 603 C6 – Nearly 800 living poets, from across the world, are profiled in this publication.
  • The Dictionary of Art – N 31 D5 1996 – This 34-volume set presents a substantial number of biographical entries. Many are illustrated and all contain bibliographies.
  • Dictionary of Literary Biography – call number varies – Each volume of this multi-volume series is devoted to a particular group of authors. Since the content of any volume is focussed, the classification assigned is unique to that volume. Some examples of its diverse themes include: French Novelists Since 1960 (PQ 671 F69), American Novelists Since World War II (PS 379 A5545), Elizabethan Dramatists (PR 651 E48), Contemporary German Fiction Writers (PT 772 C593), Chicano Writers (PS 153 M4 C484), and Afro-American Writers from the Harlem Renaissance to 1940 (PS 153 N5 A396). Individual essays include biographical, critical, and bibliographical elements.
  • The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians – ML 100 N48 – This 20-volume set sets the standard in its field. Signed entries can be extensive and they often include lengthy bibliographies.
  • Who’s Who in American Art – N 6536 W5 – The latest edition of this standard work is shelved in the Art Library’s reference collection. The next latest is in Olin Reference and earlier editions are in Olin’s general stacks. There are about 12,000 brief entries in this inclusive source.

Selective Sources – Asian

  • Who’s Who Among Asian Americans – E 184 O 6 W 53 – The publication contains brief entries for more than 6,000 men and women.
  • Who’s Who in Japan – CT 1836 W47 – Entries are very brief; however, this source adds a useful occupational index and a directory of institutions.

 Selective Sources – Education

  • Directory of American Scholars – LA 2311 C32 – This is 4-volume publication, which began in the 1940s, presents biographical information on humanities scholars.
  • National Faculty Directory – L 901 N34 – While biographical information is not offered here, this is the single most comprehensive tool for locating American faculty members.
  • Who’s Who in American Education – LA 2311 W47 – 28,000 sketches represent educators at all levels of the profession.

Selective Sources – Gay and Lesbian

  • Encyclopedia of Homosexuality – HQ 76.25 E53 -- This 2-volume set includes many biographical entries.
  • Gay & Lesbian Biography – HQ 75.2 G39 1997 – Entries average 2-3 pages and include citations to sources.

Selective Sources -- Hispanic

  • Latinas! Women of Achievement – E 184 S75 L354 – Profiles average 2-3 pages and are accompanied by photographs.
  • Who’s Who Among Hispanic Americans – E 184 S75 W5 – More than 5000 brief entries are presented.

Selective Sources – International

  • International Who’s Who – CT 120 I5 – Concise information is made available on prominent international figures in all fields of achievement.
  • Who’s Who in France – DC 705 A1 W46 1997/98 – Entries are brief and they are written in French!
  • Who’s Who in Russia and the New States – CT 1203 W55 -- Entries are brief, but useful, in this publication.

Selective sources – Jewish

  • American Jewish Biography – E 184 J5 C653 – This 2-volume set offers brief sketches accompanied by references to additional sources.

Selective Sources – Philosophy

  • Encyclopedia of Philosophy – B 41 E5 – Biographical entries vary from brief to lengthy in this 8-volume work. They include bibliographical references.
  • Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy – B 51 R68 – This 10-volume set includes biographical entries, with references, which approach 20 pp. for significant figures in the field.

Selective sources – Psychology

  • Encyclopedia of Psychology – BF 31 E52 – The 4th volume of this 4-volume work contains biographies in psychology.

Selective Sources – Religion

  • Encyclopedia of Religion – BL 31 E46 – Useful biographical essays, with bibliographical references, are included in this multi-volume set.
  • Who’s Who in Religion – BL 72 W46 – Entries are brief, but more than 15,000 contemporary persons are profiled.

Selective Sources – Sciences

  • American Men and Women of Science – Q 141 A47 – This is the standard work for contemporary persons of stature in this area. The latest edition is shelved in the reference area of the Science Library.
  • Dictionary of Scientific Biography – Q 141 D5 – Entries covers persons from the history of science. Shelved in Science Reference.

Selective Sources – Sports

  • The Ballplayers: Baseball’s Ultimate Biographical Reference – GV 865 A1 B323 – 5700 brief entries include statistics.
  • Great Women in Sports – GV 697 A1 J64 1996 – Profiles are 2-3 pages and most include photographs of current and recent leading figures in sports.
  • Biographical Dictionary of American Sports – GV 697 A1 B49 (et al)-- Several volumes and supplements cover both living and deceased figures from an array of sports in a short entry format.

 Selective Sources – Women

  • Black Women in America – E 185.86 B542 – This 2-volume source features both biographical profiles and thematic essays.
  • International Who’s Who of Women – CT 3203 I 58 – Entries are brief, but useful.
  • Notable American Women – CT 3260 W5 – Three vols. profile persons from 1607 to 1950. A supplementary volume covers women who died between 1951 and 1975.
  • Who’s Who of American Women – CT 3260 W5 – Offers concise entries for women of achievement. The latest is in Ref. and earlier editions are in the stacks.
  • Women In Particular: An Index to American Women – HQ 1412 H47 – Entries are very brief, but they contain references to source publications. Multiple indexes enhance the usefulness of this volume.

 

 

last updated: September 18, 2000