We know that finding academic literature and conducting research is an important part of completing most of your assignments. On this page you will find a variety of relevant sources which we hope will help with your studies. Remember to also check out our referencing guides.
Are you new to RGU? Have a look at our 'Welcome to the Library' pages for on campus students and online learning students!
Don't forget, you can always join one of our workshops or contact us if you get stuck or just need some help, we're happy to advise!
Browse the collections
Why not check out our extensive collection of books and e-books related to your area of study?
Remember that you can always search for specific books or topics using our LibrarySearch Tool.
Your Library Workshops
We offer free, informal workshops on various Library topics throughout the academic year and we would encourage you to come along if you'd like to improve your skills in:
- referencing correctly
- using the new LibrarySearch tool
- efficiently using effective search strategies to find relevant material for your assignments
- using RefWorks
If you have a specific question, or want a 1-1 discussion with us, you can also pop over to one of our drop-ins! They usually run in the mornings and afternoons, when we're not delivering workshops. Check out the KnowHOW Timetable for more details on dates and times. No need to book an appointment, just show up!
Here are the upcoming Library KnowHOW workshops relevant to Social Sciences. We hope to see you there!
Useful Links
Google Scholar
Google Scholar can be a useful additional source when looking for journal articles. While our collection includes access to around 53 million journal articles (and growing!), unfortunately we will not have access to all materials you find on Google Scholar, so remember to check whether we subscribe to the resources listed in the results.
All our databases
Did you know that we currently subscribe to over 200 databases covering all subject areas taught in RGU? And you can access them for free! Have a look through our extensive list and discover something new!
A-Z LIST OF DATABASES- SocINDEX with Full Text This link opens in a new window
- comprehensive full-text sociology research database with over records from over 850 journals, 830 books and monographs and a range of conference papers.
- ScienceDirect This link opens in a new window
- full-text journals from Elsevier, in life and physical sciences, business, and other subjects.
- abstracts from other core scientific and technical journals.
- SAGE Journals Online This link opens in a new window
- full-text journals in a wide range of subjects including business, humanities, social sciences and science.
- Web of Science - Core Collection This link opens in a new window
- this link lets you search the WOS core collection which includes: Arts and Humanities Citation Index, Science Citation Index, Social Science Citation Index, the Book Citation Indexes, the Conference Proceedings Indexes, Current Chemical Reactions, Emerging Sources Citation Index and Index Chemicus.
- we would recommend this as the main search option for Web of Science.
- if you would like to search any index individually please use the edition drop down menu to make your selections.
- includes details of journal articles, conference papers and chapters covering all subject areas.
- can also be used to see how many times an article has been cited in later articles to trace the development of a topic
- abstract only database - full-text can be checked for using the "Full Text @ RGU" link.
- PsycARTICLES This link opens in a new window
- full-text articles from highly regarded psychology journals.
- Campbell Collaboration This link opens in a new window
- evidence-based social science material.
- search the Campbell Library for systematic reviews summarising research evidence on the effects of interventions in crime and justice, education, international development, and social welfare.
- SpringerLink This link opens in a new window
- full-text journals and conference papers in the sciences and social sciences (current years, plus archive).
- International Newsstream This link opens in a new window
- information from more than 660 of the world's top newspapers, plus additional newswires and news sites.
- Business Source Complete This link opens in a new window
- database covering all aspects of business and management.
- includes both full-text and abstracts, material includes journal articles, magazine articles, market research, company reports and more.
- PTSDpubs This link opens in a new window
- citations and abstracts to the international literature on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues relating to traumatic events.
- Criminal Justice Abstracts This link opens in a new window
- subject areas covered include criminology, criminal justice, criminal law and procedure, corrections and prisons, police and policing, criminal investigation, forensic sciences and investigation.
- abstract only database - full-text can be checked for using the "Find it @ RGU link".
- Family Studies Abstracts This link opens in a new window
- bibliographic records covering essential areas related to family studies, including marriage, divorce, family therapy, and other areas of key relevance to the discipline.
- abstract only database - full-text can be checked for using the "Find it @ RGU link".
- Violence & Abuse Abstracts This link opens in a new window
- bibliographic records covering essential areas related to violence and abuse, including family violence, sexual assault, emotional abuse, and other areas of key relevance to the discipline
- abstract only database - full-text can be checked for using the "Find it @ RGU link".
- AgeLine This link opens in a new window
- literature on social gerontology and aging-related content from the health sciences, psychology, sociology, social work, economics, and public policy.
- indexes over 200 journals, books, and reports with coverage from 1978 to the present (and selected coverage from 1966-1977).
- Race Relations Abstracts This link opens in a new window
- bibliographic records covering essential areas related to race relations, including ethnic studies, discrimination, immigration studies, and other areas of key relevance.
- abstract only database - full-text can be checked for using the "Find it @ RGU link".
- Urban Studies Abstracts This link opens in a new window
- bibliographic records covering essential areas related to urban studies, including urban affairs, community development, urban history, and other areas of key relevance.
- abstract only database - full-text can be checked for using the "Find it @ RGU link".
- SAGE Criminology & Criminal Justice This link opens in a new window
- journals in criminology, criminal justice and legal studies.
- SAGE Politics, Public Administration & International Relations This link opens in a new window
- journals in politics, public administration & international relations.
- SAGE Psychology & Counseling This link opens in a new window
- journals in psychology and counseling sub-disciplines including, developmental, child and family, clinical, social, cognitive and counselling.
- SAGE Sociology, Gender Studies & Cultural Studies This link opens in a new window
- journals in sociology, gender studies and cultural studies.
- Encyclopedia of Social Work This link opens in a new window
- content included over 800 entries, on key topics ranging from international issues to ethical standards, over 200 biographies of key figures in social work history, and more.
- a collaboration between the National Association of Social Workers (NASW Press) and Oxford University Press.
- Scopus This link opens in a new window
- this database covers a large range of journal articles, conference papers etc. across all subject areas.
- abstract only database - full-text can be checked for by using the "Full Text @ RGU" link.
- you may be asked if you want to create an account. Searching can be done as a guest. Creating an account will let you create alerts etc.