Biography Fun

January 28, 2013

In exploring the many databases offered in MCPL’s Online Resources, I found one that’s very useful and fun under Biography called Biography in Context.

This database is really informative and kept very current. I’m writing this blog on the same day Oprah’s first interview with Lance Armstrong was airing, and the page on Lance had already been updated with his confession to the doping scandals that have followed him for years. Kim Kardashian’s breaking pregnancy news is on the home page. Obviously, the site’s main page features breaking stories and people in the news.

The site is easily navigated with basic and advanced search features. You’re able to search by name, occupation, nationality, and place of birth or death. You are also able to search by category. Featured categories include: Athletes, World Leaders, Actors, Writers, Musicians,and more. For example, Colin Powell is under the African American Category, People in the News, and, of course, just basic search. I then had access to books by him and about him, magazine and newspaper articles, pictures, and audio clips.

Being from Kansas City, I thought I would look up George Brett and found I had to use advanced search. I had to include Kansas City in my search before it brought up many references. Of course, the biggest story was the pine tar bat incident in the playoff game with the Yankees. In looking up Adele, I was able to listen to interviews and brief sound bites of her CDs. 

Any student would find this a really useful tool for research. What I realized was how interesting it could be for anyone. All your Google searches are together in one place. This is a great database that I will use and recommend in the future.

Linda O
North Oak Branch