Political Science Resources @ Smith Library

 

Finding journal articles:

 

Find articles by searching a database that indexes literature about and related to Political Science.  The Database A-Z link from the “Databases” drop down menu on the library home page lists all the databases for which Smith Library pays to have access.  The databases are listed alphabetically by title.  Some useful databases for Political Science research include:

• Academic Search Premier (EbscoHost) - Journal coverage for diverse areas of study, including political science; many full-text articles
• CQ Researcher – In-depth research reports on current and controversial issues of the day
• CQ Weekly – News and analysis of pending and upcoming legislative issues

 

General article databases that might be useful for Political Science include:

• ArticleFirst - Indexes articles in a variety of subjects, including political science
• JSTOR - An archive of scholarly journals in a variety of subjects, including political science

 

Citations vs. Full-text: The above databases might include citations (references to articles), abstracts of articles, or the complete article (the full-text).  If you do not find the full-text in electronic form right way, save the citations and then use the ECSU Journal Locator .  This tool lists all journals that are available to Smith Library researchers, whether in print or online.  For online/electronic sources, follow the links to the right volume and issue.

 

Political Science journals in print:

 

Current issues of journals and magazines are shelved on the second (main) floor of the library, while older issues are on the first floor, just past the Curriculum Center.  The older issues either are bound (like a book) or are on microfiche or microfilm.  In all instances, they are shelved or are in cabinets in alphabetical order by the title of the publication.

 

Some journals in Political Science to browse in Smith Library include the following:

 

American Journal of Political Science

The American Political Science Review

Canadian Journal of Political Science

Comparative Political Studies

The Journal of Politics

Politics & Society

Political Studies

Political Science Quarterly

 

E-journals in Political Science:

 

In addition to print journals, the library has access to e-journals in Political Science.  These e-journals can be accessed by using CONSULS, the CSU system online catalog.  Do a “Journal Title” search on the e-journal title, then follow the links.  Some e-journals in Political Science to access through CONSULS include the following:

 

American Journal of Political Science

The American Political Science Review

Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science

British Journal of Political Science

Comparative Politics

Political Research Quarterly

Political Theory

PS, Political Science & Politics

 

For a list of peer-reviewed, open access journals in Political Science, freely available on the Internet, see the listing provided by the Directory of Open Access Journals at http://www.doaj.org/ljbs?cpid=47 .