Best Bets for Starting Your Research in...

:: Sociology & Anthropology::

Use databases to find articles on your topic. These databases are the best place to start.

• Sociological Abstracts
  Abstracts and indexes the international literature in sociology and related disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences. The database provides abstracts of journal articles and citations to book reviews drawn from over 1,700 serials publications, and also provides abstracts of books, book chapters, dissertations, and conference papers. Records added after 1963 contain in-depth and nonevaluative abstracts of journal articles.
  Date coverage: 1952-present
  
  
• ProQuest Social Science Journals
  Includes over 510 titles, with more than 280 available in full text on topics that include: Addiction Studies, Family Studies, Urban Studies, and International Affairs.
  Date coverage: 1994-present
  
  
• Social Sciences Full Text
  Covers the latest concepts, trends, opinions, theories, and methods from both applied and theoretical aspects of the social sciences, including the literature of anthropology, economics, geography, law and criminology, political science, social work, and sociology
  Date coverage: 1983-present
  
  
• Academic OneFile
  Academic OneFile is a premier source for peer-reviewed, full-text articles from leading journals and reference sources. With extensive coverage of the physical sciences, technology, medicine, social sciences, the arts, theology, literature and other subjects, Academic OneFile is both authoritative and comprehensive. With millions of articles available in both PDF and HTML full-text with no restrictions, researchers are able to find accurate information quickly. Includes full-text coverage of the New York Times back to 1995.
  Date coverage: 1980-present
  Listen to a fun podcast "interview" with this database: iTunes RealPlayer
  
  
• Social Sciences Citation Index
  The Social Sciences section of Web of Science indexes 1,700 social sciences journals, with searchable author abstracts, plus selected items from over 3,300 scientific and technical journals.
  Date coverage: 1994-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:

(marriage* OR wedding*) AND (ceremon* OR ritual*)

Here's another example:

(greed OR avarice) AND conflict*

Already have the citation? Find an article with citation linker!

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Find books using the library catalog. Browse these subjects to get general information on your topic.

1. Sociology or Social sciences
2. Social sciences methodology
3. Social Change
4. Anthropology
5. Public Opinion Polls
   

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: anthropolog$ will search for anthropology or anthropologists

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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.

Encyclopedias, Handbooks, and Statistics

• A Dictionary of Sociology (ebook)
  
  
• International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences
  Ref H41.I58 2001 V.1-V.26
  
  
• The Encyclopedia of Social Theory
  Ref HM425.E47 2005 V.1-2
  
  
• Countries and Their Cultures
  Ref GN307.C68 2001 V.1-V.4
  
  
• Statistical Abstract of the United States
  Ref HA202.U66 (1924-present)
  

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.

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These web sites have been evaluated by librarians (that's a good thing) for your use in an academic setting.

• WWW Virtual Library of Sociology
  Includes institutions/departments; associations and organizations; discussion groups; research centers; databases and archives; courses and curricula resources; journals and newsletters; software; and more.
  
  
• SocioSite
  Searchable collection of web sites organized into over 150 subject areas; also includes links to journals, data archives, publishers, and more.
  
  
• The SocioLog
  Searchable site that includes listings of university sociology departments, professional associations, research institutes, and links to international and multilingual sites in a wide range of categories.
  
  
• American Sociological Association
  Offers additional links, sources, career guidance, forums, meeting etc. All things for furthering sociology and serving the public good.
  
  
• The American Anthropological Association
  Website of the official association of anthropologists in the United States. Lists a multitude of other helpful links on their site as well!
  

Tips: Any web site can be changed without notice, so be sure to evaluate every site you use.

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Use these short e-learning modules to get quick answers!

• Find a video/DVD in the catalog
• Find an e-book in the catalog
• APA Style Guide
• Generate a bibliography automatically using RefWorks
  • RefWorks import/export directions
  • RefWorks login information
  • Refworks tutorial

Still have questions?

• Get help 24/7! Via Web chat at http://www.fairfield.edu/lib_askalibrarian.html
  

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