Introduction
The following guide is intended to provide an overview of resources available in the library and online on the topic of peace and justice. Since these topics are multi-disciplinary, you will notice that book materials span many call number ranges and journal article databases are numerous. For further assistance, please take advantage of the reference services available to you in the library. Stop by the Reference Desk in person or online at Ask a Librarian. Or take a Virtual Tour of the Geisel Library to acquaint yourself with our layout and services.
Reference Sources for Background Information
The following is a selective list and should not be considered comprehensive. Browsing the Geisel Library Reference collection may reveal additional useful titles. Or, ask for help at the Reference Desk for information on a particular aspect of your studies.
Biographical Dictionary of Modern Peace Leaders
Ref JX1962.A2 B56
Bridging the Gap: Examining Polarity in America
Ref HN57 .B75
Dictionary of Contemporary World History [electronic resource]
Encyclopedia of Asian History
Ref DS31 .E53
Encyclopedia of Crime and Justice [electronic resource]
Ref HV 6017 .E52 (print version)
Encyclopedia of Ethics
Ref BJ63 .E45
Encyclopedia of Human Rights Issues Since 1945
Ref JC571 .L2747
Encyclopedia of Multiculturalism
Ref E184.A1 E58
Encyclopedia of the United Nations and International Agreements
Ref KZ4968 .O86
Great Events from History II. Human Rights Series
Ref K3240.6 .G74
Handbook of International Human Rights Terminology
Ref K3239.3 .C66
Historical Dictionary of Refugee and Disaster Relief Organizations
Ref HV640 .G66
Human Rights Encyclopedia
Ref JC571 .L523
New Dictionary of Catholic Social Thought
Ref BX1753 .N497
New Dictionary of the History of Ideas [electronic resource]
Northern Ireland: A Chronology of the Troubles, 1968-1999
Ref DA990 .U46 B3593
Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern Islamic World
Ref DS35.53 .O95
Political Philosophy: Theories, Thinkers, Concepts
Ref JA71 .P6226
Proclaiming Justice & Peace: Papal Documents from Rerum Novarum through Centesimus Annus
Ref BX1753 .P755
World Encyclopedia of Peace
Ref JX1944 .W67
Find Books and Government Documents
The library catalog is an excellent resource for finding books, chapters, and government documents on peace and justice topics. Perform one or more of these subject heading searches to get you started. Or browse the shelves in the call number areas noted next to the headings.
Christian Sociology BT 738
Church and Social Problems HN30 - HN39
Distributive Justice HB523
Emigration and Immigration JV6001 - JV9480
Equality JC575 - JC578
Ethics BJ section
Human Rights JC571 - JC628
Just War Doctrine
Peace JZ5511.2 - JZ6060
Social Conflict HM1121
Social Justice HM671
Women's Rights HQ1236
To find books related to the "Troubles" in Northern Ireland, consider searching the following subject headings.
- Irish Republican Army — History
- Northern Ireland — History
- Northern Ireland — History — 1969–1994
- Northern Ireland — Politics and Government — 1969–1994
- Peace Movements — Northern Ireland
Find Journal Articles
- Multidisciplinary
- Lots of full-text
- Some articles are scholarly
- Good place for secondary source or general readings
- If your research intersects with American history
- Links to some full-text
- Most are from peer-reviewed journals
- If your research intersects with religion
- Some full-text
- Most are from peer-reviewed journals
- Scope is international
- If your research intersects with criminal justice
- Links to some full-text
- Most are from peer-reviewed journals
- Scope is international
ERIC (Educational Resource Information Center)
- If your research intersects with education
- Lots of full-text
- Comprehensive in scope and coverage (back to 1966)
- Accesses books and journals
- Some full-text
- Use the library's Interlibrary Loan service if no full-text
- Scope and comprehensiveness varies
- If your research intersects with world history
- Links to some full-text
- Most are from peer-reviewed journals
- Scope is international
- Multidisciplinary
- All full-text
- Most are from peer-reviewed journals
- Latest years of coverage are lacking
- Good place for news articles and current events
- Also supplies access to laws and statutes
- Most is full-text
- If your research intersects with philosophy
- Links to some full-text
- Most are from peer-reviewed journals
- Scope is international
- If your research intersects with sociology
- Links to some full-text
- Most are from peer-reviewed journals
- Scope is international
Worldwide Political Science Abstracts
- If your research intersects with political science
- Links to some full-text
- Most are from peer-reviewed journals
- Scope is international
Selected Websites
Amnesty International
An international apolitical group dedicated to preserving human rights of all people.
CAIN: Conflict and Politics in Northern Ireland
This web project undertaken by the University of Ulster provides information on the "Troubles" in Northern Ireland, including descriptions of key events and issues, links to government documents, and suggestions for further reading.
Catholic Campaign for Human Development
"CCHD was established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops with a two-fold mandate to fund low-income controlled empowerment projects and to educate Catholics about the root causes of poverty within the context of the Catholic social tradition."
Center of Concern (COC)
"The mission of the Center of Concern is grounded in shared Religious Social Values and the challenges of Catholic Social Teaching. It emphasizes solidarity with those in poverty throughout the world. The Center's main focus is social justice and the transformation of inequitable structures and systems."
Facing History and Ourselves
"Facing History and Ourselves is an international educational and professional development organization whose mission is to engage students of diverse backgrounds in an examination of racism, prejudice, and antisemitism in order to promote the development of a more humane and informed citizenry."
Government Documents
One often overlooked source of information is the government. Geisel Library has been a depository for U.S. Government Information since 1963. On this page you will also find links to government Web sites.
Human Rights Resource Center (U. of Minnesota)
"The Center serves as the national human rights education clearinghouse for more than 80 curricula and other educational materials from 18 nongovernmental organizations."
Research Centers in International Relations on the Web (United States Institute of Peace)
This is a country by country list of links to research centers in international relations.
Resources of Peace Groups & Organizations or Individuals (Swarthmore College)
Supplies an A-Z list of links to the Websites of major peace organizations.
United Nations Human Rights
Includes links to charter-based bodies and treaty-based bodies within the United Nations that are dedicated to human rights.
Citing Sources
See the library's Citing Sources guide for resources on how to properly cite research materials. Always confirm the style required by your instructor.
Need More Help?
For further research assistance, please take advantage of the reference services available to you in the Geisel Library. Contact the Reference Desk in person or online at Ask a Librarian.
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