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Laura Reiner*
Reference Librarian
reiner@brandeis.edu
Fall 2006
This is a guide to library research in Anthropology, with a focus on Social/Cultural Anthropology and Archaeology. See also the Guides to Research in Linguistics for Linguistic Anthropology and Biology for Biological/Physical Anthropology.
Please Ask a Librarian for additional assistance.
Use this brief guide for help in narrowing your subject for research or with formulating your questions to make them appropriate for online research.
Subject encyclopedias provide a broad overview of the current research on a particular topic and a short list (bibliography) of key resources.
Anthropological Glossary
Very brief definitions of anthropological terms including specific ethnic groups, archaeological objects, particular rituals, etc. No bibliographic references.
Main Ref GN11.P43 1985
Dictionary of Anthropology
A one-volume dictionary of general anthropological concepts. Many of the signed entries by leading scholars have suggestions for further reading. Contains an extensive bibliography.
Main Ref GN307 .D485 1997
International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences - select the Anthropology section
Dictionary of Concepts in Cultural Anthropology
Entries for 80 broad, fundamental terms in anthropology (e.g. culture and inequality). Each entry provides a definition of the concept, a history of its use in the field, and a bibliography. Use the subject and name indexes to locate information on narrower topics (e.g. big man leadership and postmodernism).
Main Ref GN307.W56 1991
NEW! Encyclopedia of Anthropology (James Birx, ed. Sage Publications, 2006)
Encyclopedia of Cultural Anthropology
A four-volume, illustrated encyclopedia with substantial signed entries, each of which has an extensive list of references. Includes a list of anthropological periodicals and a detailed index in Volume 4. Sponsored by the Human Relations Area File.
Main Ref GN307 .E52 1996
Encyclopedia of Social and Cultural Anthropology
A one-volume dictionary with signed entries by an international group of anthropologists, many of which include an extensive list of further readings. Features a biographical appendix of famous anthropologists throughout history, a glossary, and thorough indexes.
Main Ref GN307 .E527 1996
Encyclopedia of World Cultures
This 10-volume encyclopedia provides summary overviews of specific cultures by region of the world, with sections on ethonyms, orientation, history, settlements, economy, kinship, marriage and family, sociopolitical organization, religion and expressive culture, and a bibliography. Summaries written by experts or researchers at the Human Relations Area Files. Each regional volume contains an introduction, maps, a glossary and filmography on that region. Volume 10 includes a list of cultures by country, an ethonym index, and a subject index.
Main Ref GN307 .E53 1991
Archaeological Method and Theory: An Encyclopedia
This new encyclopedia focuses on the practice and discipline of archaeology. A useful Subject Guide is found at the beginning of the volume. Many articles are illustrated, and each article is followed by a list of further reading. Subject and name indexes.
Main Ref CC75 .A654 2000
Encyclopedia of Archaeology: History and Discoveries
Main Library Stacks CC100 .E54 2001
Collins Dictionary of Archaeology
Brief definitions of names and technical and theoretical terms. Regional maps pinpointing archaeological sites at the end of the dictionary.
Main Ref CC70 .C58 1993
Dictionary of Concepts in Archaeology
This book contains entries for 72 broad, fundamental terms in archaeology (e.g. culture and decipherment). Each entry provides a definition of the concept, a history of its use in the field, and a bibliography. Use the subject and name indexes to locate information on narrower topics (e.g. dendrochronology and petroglyph).
Main Ref CC70 .M45 1993
The Oxford Companion to Archaeology
Substantial overview articles written by scholars, most with bibliographic references. The overviews of regions and civilizations (e.g. Mesoamerica) are especially useful. Contains maps, timelines, and a detailed index.
Main Ref CC70 .096 1996
These research guides provide annotated lists of resources that will be useful for locating information (journal articles, books, statistics, etc.) beyond those listed in this guide.
Introduction to Library Research in Anthropology
A annotated guide to anthropological literature worldwide. Includes useful appendices such as a listing of major anthropology collections in United States and Canadian libraries, as well as author and geographic indexes.
Main Ref GN42 .W44 1998
Cultural Anthropology: A Guide to Reference and Information Sources
An annotated guide to anthropological sources in various parts of the world, with information on anthropological organizations, libraries and archives, as well as author/title and subject indexes.
Main Ref Z5111 .K53 1991
LOUIS, the online catalog of the Brandeis Libraries, is the principal means of locating books in the library collections.
LOUIS can be useful at two levels of your research:
button in WorldCat to request interlibrary loan of items not owned by Brandeis.
Thematic essays in these volumes provide reviews of the research on selected topics in anthropology.
Extensive bibliographies follow each essay.
tips
button to locate the full text of the article (or request it through Interlibrary Loan if we don't own it)See Databases by Subject for more databases on your topic
The most recent issues in print are located in the Periodicals Room on Farber Level 2 of the Main Library, arranged alphabetically by title.
Older print issues are bound in volumes and shelved in the stacks (bookshelves).
tip: Search for more electronic journals in anthropology directly in LOUIS catalog using the Journal Search link at the top of the screen.
American Anthropological Association (AAA) Guide
AAA membership directory and directory of anthropological institutions including research firms, government agencies, museums, and academic departments. Also includes statistics and recent dissertations in anthropology.
Main Ref GN43.A2 G84
WEDA: The Worldwide Email Directory of Anthropologists
International Dictionary of Anthropologists
Includes 725 biographical essays on anthropologists born before 1920, including travelers, missionaries, and administrators from many different countries. Each entry provides a brief list of major works, many are signed and most include additional sources.The preface contains an outline of the history of anthropology.
Biog Ref GN20.I5 1991
Women Anthropologists: A Biographical Dictionary
A collection of biographical essays on 58 women anthropologists born before 1934 that explores the role gender played in anthropological research, education, fieldwork, and public life for these women. Each biography includes a selective bibliography.
Biog Ref GN20.W63 1988
Encyclopedia of Archaeology: The Great Archaeologists
This 2-volume encyclopedia provides substantial essays with bibliographies on 58 archaeologists who made major contributions to the discipline of archaeology.
Biog Ref CC110 .E54 1999
For additional resources see: Finding biographical information
Tip: use EndNote to store and export your citations into your paper
American Anthropological Association Style Guide
Society for American Archaeology Style Guide
Guide to Citing Printed and Electronic Sources
A deep bibliography of citation guides available through the Brandeis University Libraries.
Evaluating Information on the Web
American Anthropological Association
A searchable site with information on careers in anthropology, public policy efforts, women and minorities in anthropology, and a good list of anthropology links.
Anthro.Net - University of Virginia
Classified and searchable list of anthropology links.
Anthropology@Brandeis University
Information about undergraduate and graduate programs, course listings with some syllabi and faculty listings.
Anthropology in the News - Texas A&M Anthro Dept.
Blog with links to news stories published on the web.
Ethnographic Resources related to Folklore, Anthropology, Ethnomusicology, & the Humanities - Library of Congress
H-Net
A wealth of specific, scholarly discussion lists in the humanities and social sciences. Postings include conferences, calls for papers, funding opportunities, peer-reviewed essays and lively discussion.
ArchNet (Archaeological Research Institute, Arizona State University)
Searchable directory of archaeology links classified by region and subject.
Society for American Archaeology
Information on academic programs and careers in archaeology. Tables of contents (including abstracts) to American Antiquity and Latin American Antiquity; some online publications available. Helpful site map.
*Based on the work of Deborah Margolis.
