Librarian
Finding Sources in Sociology
Here are some examples of basic search terms you can use to find Sociology research:
- sociology
- methodology
- social psychology
- sociology history
- social inequality
- sociology religion
- social structures.
To find strong search terms related to your specific topic, try the following:
- Look at the subject headings and keywords of resources you've already found.
- Consult relevant entries in some of the encyclopedias and other reference sources we have available.
If you're looking for data, we have a whole separate page of statistics sources.
Databases & Journals
Journal databases are specialized tools for finding scholarly articles in academic journals, with advanced options for targeting your search on a specific topic.
If they seem a little intimidating, remember that the librarians are happy to show you how to use them to find the best sources as fast as possible.
Can't find full text?
Click the 
button by the article to get it elsewhere, or to order it.
- Sociological Abstracts This link opens in a new windowProvides abstracts and citations for international research in sociology, social work, and related disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences. Covers current research on sociology, social work, urban studies, social welfare, social policy, community development, and more. Indexes articles, books, book chapters, dissertations, conference papers, and working papers. Does not contain full-text.
- APA PsycArticles This link opens in a new windowExplore sociology topics that overlap with psychology, including social psychology and organizational behavior. You can find specific kinds of research by limiting your results by methodology on the bottom right side of the Advanced search page.
- Social Services Abstracts This link opens in a new windowFind current research about social services and welfare, including sociological concerns: urban and rural issues, gerontology, poverty and homelessness, violence, and more. There is little or no full text in this database. Remember to use the "Find It" button to locate your articles.
- Academic Search Ultimate This link opens in a new windowLook here for scholarly and popular articles on sociology and other related academic subjects, including psychology, anthropology, urban studies, gender studies, and more.
- American Journal of SociologyThe American Journal of Sociology (AJS) presents work from all areas of sociology, with an emphasis on theory building and innovative methods.
- Contemporary SociologyContemporary Sociology (CS) publishes reviews and critical discussions of recent works in sociology and in related disciplines which merit the attention of sociologists.
- SociologySociology publishes peer-reviewed articles advancing theoretical understanding and reporting empirical research about the widest range of sociological topics.
Books in Augsburg's Collection
You can also search the library catalog for books, videos, and other resources in our collection.
This search will include articles from some of our databases, but you will find better results from journals using the databases listed above.
Videos
We have access to a large collection of streaming films that you can find in these databases.
You can also check out our DVD collection on the first floor of the library. DVD players can be checked out as well.
- Films on Demand This link opens in a new window
Thousands of educational and documentary videos from authoritative sources. Create playlists and clips and embed these in your Moodle site or share with a group.
Includes films from Films for the Humanities & Sciences, Cambridge Educational, Meridian Education, and Films Media Group. - Kanopy This link opens in a new windowA video database for classroom viewing and research projects. Stream thousands of documentaries, classic and independent films. Create clips and playlists, and view transcripts.
Check out our FAQ for questions about public performance rights. - Swank Digital Campus This link opens in a new window
Copyright-compliant streaming of feature films, intended primarily to address topics that are relevant to today’s collegiate discussions. Students can choose among movies selected by Augsburg professors; instructors can log in to browse the catalog for other films to add.
Check out our FAQ for questions about public performance rights.