You can find biographical information in the Library's multi-database search tool by searching for a person's name. For a more precise search you can add keywords for your topic.
Note: prior to January 2023 the Library search was named “Thoreau”.
- On the Library homepage, type the person's name into the search box.
- Click search.
- Sign in with your Walden credentials if prompted.
- Add a term to the second search box, if needed.
Search Tip: A topic in the second search box helps focus the results you find about the person. It can also help limit the results if you are searching for a name held by several different people.
For example:
First search box:
Eleanor Roosevelt
Second search box:
leadership
Note: If you are searching for someone who has published article or books, you may see results that are about them as well as results that were written by them.
Notes about Names:
Searching for the person's full name will typically get the most accurate results, but you will get more results by searching for just the person's last name. Try different name formats and keywords to get the best results.
If the person is commonly known by a modified name or initials, you may want to try using those for your search (e.g. Mother Teresa or J. K. Rowling).
You can search for multiple different forms of the person's name by adding OR between alternative names. This allows the database to look for either form of the name.
First search box:
E. O. Wilson OR Edward O. Wilson
More Information:
Do you have other questions about finding biographical information? Ask a Librarian!