Getting Started: Reference Sources
- Gale Virtual Reference LibrarySearches numerous specialized encyclopedias and dictionaries. Try "hero" or "sports heroes" to get started.
- 100 Heroes (and Villains)From the American Film Institute.
- Top 50 Video Game Characters of All TimeFrom Game Informer.
Writing Help
- The Personal MemoirA guide from the stalwart Purdue Online Writing Lab.
- On Memoir, Truth, and "Writing Well"NPR interview with writer William Zinsser, who authored On Writing Well, the classic guide to the craft.
Online Journals and Databases
Here are some databases to get you started. Don't forget: the best source of information for your subject often comes from the library affiliated with that discipline. For instance, both the Classics and Literature & Languages libraries will have specialized databases with information on mythology. Check the list of UIUC libraries and link to their websites from the library main page.
- Academic Search CompleteA great starting point for finding articles!
- MLA International BibliographyBegin by searching just "hero" (as a keyword) and refine from there by adding terms relevant to your particular research, eg. "myth," and, of course, "journey."
- JSTORArticles, reviews, and entire books focused on the humanities. Can be a bit daunting -- "hero" and "journey" together yield nearly 39,000 results -- so try the Advanced Search link on the home page and narrow by item type, eg "Articles."
- Lexis NexisA searchable database of thousands of newspaper articles, particularly useful for assessing public response to a person/work/event or fleshing out an individual's biographical details.
- America: History and LifeUsing "hero" and "literature" or "film" brings up useful-looking results-- give it a try!
- Film and Television Literature IndexStart with a general search for "hero," then refine, refine, refine!
