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Liberal Arts: History - Medieval to Early Modern: Home

Covers the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Reformation and Early Modern periods in Western civilization-- roughly from to 1600 A.D. Includes Asian topics such as China under the Mongols, medieval Japan.

Welcome to the Henry Ford College Eshleman Library research guide for "History, Medieval to Early Modern". What we here call "medieval" refers to people, places, things and events following the decline of imperial Rome, about 500 A.D. (also known as the Common Era, or C.E.).  Included are Europe, the Near East, Mediterranean, India, China, and Japan. 

A word on Search Strategy: The tabs across the top of this page lead to different types of resources. Much of the best information to get started can be found in Books, including reference books (encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks).  Articles allow us to locate newer and/or more detailed information, especially on a narrower topic. Together, they provide a wide range of topics, and a wealth of detail on each topic.

For a broad topic like "the Renaissance," you might begin with background readings (reference books) on how the Renaissance has been defined, when the Renaissance occurred, and where it flourished.  You may also see a narrower topic to focus on: architecture, for example.  This can provide good keywords for a search for articles in a database.

HFC Eshleman Library Hours of Operation

Winter 2024 Semester

In person (Building B) and online service is available Monday - Thursday 7:45 am - 7:00 pm and Friday 7:45 am - 4:30 pm.

You can contact the library by the following means:

  • By live chat (the "Ask a Librarian!" box towards the lower right of the library's home page)
  • By email – contact us here (research or general questions) or email the Library Director at kharger@hfcc.edu (questions about fines, MeL items, or registration holds)
  • By phone –  (313) 845-9606, we will respond during library business hours.
  • By text message - (313) 241-3489

Please go to the library homepage to contact the library with any questions and connect with our virtual support services!

How Do I Get Stuff Online? In Person?

Online Resources

To access online library resources, HFC faculty, staff, and current students can use their HFC username and password to log in. This username and password will be the same login information used to access email, Moodle, etc. Please visit the IT Help Desk page for any questions or assistance with your HFC username and password.

Print Resources

Checking out books from the library requires an HFC Library barcode, available at the library's Circulation Desk. The barcode is a sticker that is placed on the back of your HFC student/faculty ID card. You can visit the library Circulation Desk during normal library hours to easily set up your library account and receive your barcode sticker.