boston Research Guide
This guide is a starting point for researching Boston - its history, demographics, neighborhoods, politics, etc. Keep in mind that the Boston Public Library in Copley Square is a public research library with extensive special collections focusing on the city of Boston.
Books
Reference Books
Use these reference books to find information on demographics, companies, architecture, Boston neighborhoods, and more. See a reference librarian if you need help finding specific information.Encyclopedia of Urban America: the Cities and Suburbs [X] HT123.E5 1998 (2 vols)
When in Boston: A Time Line & Almanac [X] F73.3 .V73 2004
Profiles of Massachusetts [X] HA431 .P76 2007
History, statistics, and demographics.Book of Lists [X] HF3163 .B6 B66 2007
Published by the Boston Business Journal, this annual publication provides listings of local businesses in a wide variety of categories.Lifestyle Market Analyst [X] HF5415.3.L5 2007
Traditional demographic measurements such as income, race and age are indexed against lifestyle activities, hobbies and interests.Archaeology of Boston's Big Dig: Highway to the Past [X] E61 .L49 2001
Boston Neighborhoods: a Food Lover’s Walking, Eating, and Shopping Guide to Ethnic Enclaves In and Around Boston [X] TX907.3 .M42 M67 2001
Boston Society of Architects’ AIA Guide to Boston [X] NA735.B7 S68 1992
Complete Boston Red Sox: The Total Encyclopedia of the Team [X] GV875.B62 G45 2003
Use the library catalog to find books on topics related to Boston and to city life and urban affairs. Please note that the catalog is shared with nine other members of the Fenway Libraries Online (FLO). You may go to these libraries and use their collections or you may borrow certain items by clicking on the Place Request button in the catalog. Try the following subject headings or try a keyword search.
Boston (Mass.)--History
Boston (Mass.)--Economic conditions
Boston (Mass.)--Social conditions
City and town life
City planning
Civic improvement
Municipal government
Or browse the call number range F73 in the main stacks to find many books about Boston.
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databases
Local Newspapers
Boston Globe
Full-text searchable articles from the Boston Globe.Boston Herald
Full-text searchable articles from the Boston Herald.Massachusetts Newsstand
Full-text coverage of major Massachusetts newspapers including the Boston Globe (1980–), Boston Herald (1991–), Quincy Patriot Ledger (1991–) and the Worcester Telegram & Gazette (1989–), plus selected coverage of other regional sources.Ethnic NewsWatch
Full-text articles from newspapers, magazines, and journals of the ethnic, minority and native press. Includes local publications such as the Boston Haitian Reporter and the Baystate Banner.
Magazine and Journal Articles
Search for articles on urban life, affairs, history, and culture in these interdisciplinary databases.
Statistics and Demographics
Snapshots
Find demographics and statistics on education, media, leisure activities, and more. Does not work in Firefox. Available only in Library. See Reference Librarian for password.Mediamark Reporter
Demographic and marketing information based on a national survey of product usage and media exposure. Includes local market data for Boston from 2006. You must register with your Emerson email address to use. Does not work in Firefox.U.S. Census Bureau - Boston Regional Office
U. S. Census Bureau - American FactFinder
Find a Fact Sheet for Boston or another city or town.
Websites
City of Boston
The official local government website with links for students, businesses, and residents.
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News, weather, arts and entertainment, business, etc. from the Boston Globe.
Boston Historical Society and Museum
Boston History & Innovation CollaborativeBoston Public Library Special Collections
Find information on Boston art, architecture, sports, authors, history, and much more.Boston Radio Archives
History of many local radio stations.Boston Redevelopment Authority
Find neighborhood maps, press releases, jobs, housing information, and more from Boston's planning and economic development agency.Universal Hub
A blog that tries to capture the best writing from the hundreds of bloggers in the Boston area.
