Best Bets for Starting Your Research in...
:: Peace & Justice ::
Use databases to find articles on your topic. These databases are the best place to start.
- CQ Researcher
This award-winning resource offers an archive of in-depth articles on hot-button issues in the news. Topics include information on human rights and environmental concerns.
Date coverage: 1991-present.
Listen to a fun podcast "interview" with this database: iTunes RealPlayer
- Sociological Abstracts
Sociological Abstracts indexes the international literature in sociology and its related disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences.
Date coverage: 1952-present.
- History Reference Center
This resource provides articles from journals, reference and non-fiction books; biographies, documents and speeches; maps and photographs. Also includes film and video clips of social, political and cultural historical events of the 20th Century from 1893 to 1985.
Date coverage: Prehistory-present.
- Proquest Newspapers
This database provides access to some of the most respected newspapers from the United States, each with its own unique geographic perspective. Includes the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, among many others.
Date coverage: Varies-present.
- CIAO (Columbia International Affairs Online)
CIAO is a source for theory and research in international affairs. It publishes a wide range of scholarship that includes working papers from university research institutes, occasional papers series from NGOs, foundation-funded research projects, proceedings from conferences, books, journals and policy briefs.
Date coverage: 1991-present.
Tips: When searching databases, use AND, OR, and parentheses to focus your search.
The asterisk * symbol will search for all variations of a word. For example: basket* will search for baskets and basketry. Using quotes will search for a phrase.
Combine synonyms with OR and put them inside parentheses, like this:
"human rights" AND (genocid* or darfur)
Here's another example:
(America* or "United States" or U.S.) AND "UN security council"
Already have the citation? Find an article with citation linker! Did you know...Databases are basically just search engines for articles on specific subjects. |
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Find books using the library catalog. Browse these subjects to get general information on your topic.
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Search the library catalog! Find books, media materials, and more. Other searches:
Browse | Advanced Search Tips: When searching the library catalog with keywords, use the dollar sign ($) to search for a word and all of its variations.
For example: Americ$ will search for America and American
Did you know...- WorldCat is a catalog of thousands of libraries around the world!
- If a book isn't in the Fairfield U. catalog, search WorldCat and request the book from another library. Just click on the Interlibrary Loan button.
 - You can search ReQuest to search just the libraries in Connecticut.
- Contact John Cayer, Interlibrary Services, with questions.
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Reference tools such as dictionaries and encyclopedias are good places to start your research because they provide an overview of the topic as well as keywords, dates, and facts.
Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, and Handbooks
- World Encyclopedia of Peace
Ref. JX1952.W63
- Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace and Conflict
Ref HM291 .E625
- Environmental Justice : a Reference Handbook
Ref JC578.N485
Tips: Try looking at the bibliography at the end of the entry for a list of other sources such as relevant journal articles and books.
When you have found books on your topic, look at the books on the shelf nearby to see if they are related to your topic.
Did you know...
Wikipedia can be edited by anyone, so make sure you use another source to confirm the information you find there. |
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These web sites have been evaluated by librarians (that's a good thing) for your use in an academic setting.
- JusticeNet
http://www.justicenet.org/
This is a directory of web sites on social justice and related topics, sponsored by the International Justice and Peace Commission of the Society of the Sacred Heart. Each major category includes annotated links and a forum for discussion.
- Center of Concern
http://www.coc.org/
This Jesuit-founded organization promotes awareness and effective strategies related to global peace and social justice issues. Their site offers online informational articles, news and events, an archive of previous publications and a blog.
- Greenpeace
http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/
Home page for this well-known international environmental activist group committed to using peaceful direct action to address global environmental issues and to promote solutions to these problems. Features news, information, a blog, photographs and videos on topics as varied as global warming, the deterioration of the oceans, nuclear waste, and animal protection.
Tips: Any web site can be changed without notice, so be sure to evaluate every site you use.
Did you know...
There are billions of web pages and Google only finds a fraction of them (about 15%). The rest is held in what's called the "Invisible Web", which is made up of dynamically generated information, password protected sites, and databases-driven sites!
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Use these short e-learning modules to get quick answers!
Still have questions?
Contact a Reference Librarian
(203) 254-4000 ext. 2178
reference@mail.fairfield.edu
IM the Reference Desk at FairfieldULib - AOL and Yahoo
FairfieldUlib@hotmail.com - MSN
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