Go behind the scenes to discover the literal stuff of history. Learn how to conduct historical research like a pro and interpret primary sources. Explore weird shit in research collections like books bound in human skin and exploding film. As a professionally trained archivist, librarian, and scholar, I share my insider knowledge of the wonderful world of books and research.
I also highlight specific libraries and archives around the globe by providing information about their missions, histories, and collections. Join me in unearthing the hidden treasures held within these unique repositories.
If you’re looking for your next read, see Totally Historic’s reading lists.
Rupert Giles is the Ultimate Badass Librarian on Television
Rupert Giles from Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the most badass librarian to hit our television screens. As Buffy Summers’…
WTF is the Library of Congress Classification System?
The Library of Congress Classification system (LCC) is a classification scheme that organizes books by discipline and subject categories. It…
WTF is the Dewey Decimal Classification System?
The Dewey Decimal Classification system (DDC) is a library classification scheme that organizes books by subject. It divides the world’s…
How to Request Books Using Interlibrary Loan
After searching your library’s catalog for a specific book, you’re bummed to find they don’t have it. Don’t despair, because…
How to Find Books in a Library Using Call Numbers
You walk into your local library, eager to see if it has a specific book you want to read. After…
How to Look Up Books in an Academic Library Catalog
You head to an academic library, looking for a specific book. Once inside, you’re met with shelves upon shelves of…
How to Look Up Books in a Public Library Catalog
You head to your local public library, looking for a specific book. Once inside, you’re met with shelves upon shelves…
How to Research Like a Pro: Search Tips and Tricks
Do you want to learn how to conduct research like a pro? Searching for credible information is an important skill,…
WTF are Incunabula?
Incunabula are books printed before the year 1501. When Johannes Gutenberg invented printing with movable type in the mid-1400s, he…
WTF are Illuminated Manuscripts?
Illuminated manuscripts are handwritten books decked out with rich ornamentation in gold, silver, or vibrant colors. The word “manuscript” derives…
WTF is a Psalter?
A psalter is a book containing the Book of Psalms, a collection of 150 sacred Hebrew songs, poems, and prayers…
WTF is a Book of Hours?
A Book of Hours is a prayer book for private devotion from the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Widely…