Biographical Sources

American National Biography Online (available with a Penn State Access Account)
The American National Biography Online offers portraits of more than 17,000 men and women -- from all eras and walks of life -- whose lives have shaped the nation. The online version reproduces the full-text of the original 24 volume set published in 1999, with new and updated entries added regularly. The online edition features thousands of illustrations, hyperlinked cross-references, links to select web sites, and powerful search capabilities.

Biography and Genealogy Master Index (available online with a Penn State Access Account)
An index (not a full-text resource) to biographical information about influential people worldwide, both living and historical.

African American Women Writers in New Jersey, 1836-2000 : a Biographical Dictionary and Bibliographic Guide
Call number: PS253.N5M67 2003, Arts & Humanities Library reference collection, 2nd Floor Pattee Library
This volume contains biographical and bibliographical information for each author. Also included are photographs of many writers as well as citations for published pamphlets, books, reports, and articles written by these women.

African American Women : a Biographical Dictionary
Call number: E185.96.A45 1993, Arts & Humanities Library reference collection, 2nd Floor Pattee Library
Three hundred African American women who have "made significant contributions to social reform, politics, arts and entertainment, religion, business, education and the professions from colonial times to the present" are the subject of this volume.

Contemporary Black Biography
Call number: E185.96.C66, Social Sciences Library reference collection, 2nd Floor Paterno Library
Profiles prominent individuals from various backgrounds, including Ralph Abernathy, Naomi Campbell, Youssou N'Dour, and Marcus Garvey, and presidents of various African nations. Photographs and selected brief bibliographies included.

Facts on File Encyclopedia of Black Women in America
Call number: E185.96.F2 1997, Arts & Humanities Library reference collection, 2nd Floor Pattee Library
Eleven-volume series profiles prominent African American women throughout history. Each volume focuses on a particular area of achievement, such as "Theater Arts and Entertainment" or "Business and Professions". Includes many black and white photographs.

African-American Firsts : Famous, Little-known and Unsung Triumphs of Blacks in America
Call number: E185.96.P67 1994, Pattee Library Stacks, Level 1
This fascinating collection of little-known African-American achievers contains over 400 entries and 75 pages of photographs. The people are arranged by profession and the time period spans from the beginning of this country to the early 1990s.

Notable Black American Men
Call number: E185.86.N68 1999, Social Sciences Library reference collection, 2nd Floor Paterno Library
Lengthy biographical profiles of 500 famous African American men, ranging from artists, sports figures, musicians, scientists, politicians, and many other occupations. Entries are signed, and include short bibliographies and, often, black and white photos.

Notable Black American Women
Call number: E185.96.N68 1992, Social Sciences Library reference collection, 2nd Floor Paterno Library
Massive, two-volume authoritative source for biographical information on African American women from a wide variety of disciplines and accomplishments. Many illustrations; also includes access by "area of endeavor".

Who's Who among African Americans
Call Number: E185.96.W56, latest edition in the Social Sciences Library reference collection, 2nd Floor Paterno Library; previous editions in Pattee Library Stacks, Level 1
Provides brief biographical information and addresses for more than 20,000 prominent African Americans from various fields.