HIST 301 - Books - Quinney

Books can be either primary or secondary sources or both. This confusing status is dependent on the book's content and how you are writing about the topic.

Let's use "The Guano Islands Act of 1856" as an example of a foreign relations matter. This act (one of several), once passed into law and published as a section of the US Code (US Code 48 USC Ch. 8 sections 1441-1419) has allowed the United States to take possession of land seen as otherwise 'unclaimed' for the purpose of harvesting bird poop.

Of course, just because the US makes a claim on a piece of land does not mean that other nations agree. Negotiations (preferably peaceful) over disputed geography is evidence of foreign relations and perceptions of power.

Books & More in the Library Catalog has several search options:

  • Keyword (guano island returns 40)
  • Focused keyword ("guano island" returns 9)
  • Subject (need specifically-structured language)
  • Broad subject (no guarantee there will be much, but worth a try)
  • Author (won't have that information until you do some topic searching)

Keyword search on "guano island"

From the results on my search, here are two possibilities. Are these primary or secondary sources?

                                   Published in 1846 ---------------------------------------------- Published in 1994

              

 

What else can you find from the book record?

  • Subject headings

    • United States -- Territories and possessions -- History
    • Unites States -- Insular possessions -- History
    • Individual nation's foreign relations with the US (xxxx -- Foreign relations -- United States)
  • Additional useful terms/concepts (Why would guano be important enough for the US to claim potentially disputed territory?) In the 19th century and even today, guano is a economic and trade item of importance.
    • New keyword/concept searches

      • guano trade
      • economics
      • empire
      • Disputed territories

Access the book

Libraries are buying more books in e-format than ever before to provide more convenient access (and in some cases, access by several readers at once.) Some materials will be free-access but for most, you will need your current campus ID to check out books in person or be a current CSUSM member to access.

If not available through our catalog, you can order through CSU+ and have it in a few days.