Use a specific database for a search that may be efficient and targeted. The databases are curated and follow a more standard format and a careful process to decide what literature to include. The databases search could be narrowed by subject, using the "Choose Subject" drop down menu. Choosing "Public & International Affairs" will highlight databases related to this subject. However, if your research topic relates to another field, you may want to check that field's databases as well. For example, if you are researching a politics related topic, you may want to consult politics databases as well. Databases that may be helpful for this task force include:
- PAIS Index - Citations to articles, books, reports, and select government documents on U.S. and international public policy issue. Generally considered to be a comprehensive index to policy literature.
- ProQuest Social Sciences - Cross searches more than 30 databases in the social sciences, including EconLit, Economist Intelligence Unit Country Reports Archive, GenderWatch, Index Islamicus, International Bibliography of the Social Sciences (IBSS), Linguistics and Language Behavior Abstracts (LLBA), PAIS International, and other databases covering criminal justice, education, political science, sociology, and more.
- The National Security Archive - Collection of Electronic Briefing Books (EBBs) provide timely online access to critical declassified records on issues including U.S. national security, foreign policy, diplomatic and military history, intelligence policy, and much more. Updated frequently.
- Weapons of Mass Destruction - This collection of documents explain the role weapons of mass destruction (WMD) played in a series of world crises, how they shaped U.S. and NATO defense and foreign policy during the Cold War, and what incidents and nearly averted disasters happened. Additionally, they shed a light on the dreadful human and ecological legacy left by decades of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons manufacturing and testing.
- UN iLibrary - Brings together United Nations publications on a broad range of social and economic topics, usually covering a number of countries and with significant statistical content. Publications from about the last decade are included. Although the intention is to provide full text in pdf format for all titles, this is an ongoing project and full text is not yet included for some titles listed.
- United Nations Digital Library - Includes UN documents, voting data, speeches, maps, and open access publications. The platform provides access to UN-produced materials in digital format and bibliographic records for print UN documents starting in 1979.
