Just because you are at IUS doesn't mean you are limited to the resources we have here in our library. You can search in IUCAT to see what other IU libraries own. If you find an item you want, and we don't have it here it IUS, but it's checked in at another IU library, you can request that it be sent here for you to check out. Look for the "request delivery" link in the record.
It can take 4-7 working days for an item to be sent here from another IU library, so don't wait until the last minute to begin your research. You want to allow for time just in case you want to take advantage of this service.
IUCAT is the library catalog. This is the tool that tells you what the library owns and where it is located. You will find both print books and electronic books (available online) when you consult IUCAT.
If you are searching for a specific item, you can do a title or author search. If you don't have a specific item in mind, search by keyword. Think about your topic and come up with some terms and concepts associated with your topic. You can use AND to combine your terms. For example, you would not want to use "native americans in the War in the Pacific" for your keyword search. Instead, try something like "native americans and World War II"
If you just want to browse. most of the American History books are in the D's.