The print resources listed below are good sources of basic information, and many include lists of additional sources. All of these items can be found in the Reference Stacks. Dictionary of American History - REF E 174 .D52 vols. Articles include suggestions for places to go for more information.
Indexes help locate the appropriate set.
American Series - REF E 178 .M29 vols. K 3240.6 .G74 vols. Chronological listing of important events in politics, science, business, the arts and everyday life through 1991. Contains brief articles on topics and people in all areas of world history. 1-12 Provides information on important people in all walks of life, all countries and all time periods.