• Lura Sanborn – Reference Librarian

    Reference Books
    The list below identifies Reference books recommended for those researching the Middle East. You may find other useful Reference materials during your research process.

    Encyclopedia Britannica: REF 032 En2
    Encyclopedia of Cultures and Daily Life: REF 305.8 W89
    Encyclopedia of the Modern Middle East: REF 956 M29
    The Europa World Yearbook: REF 310 EV7 2003
    The Greenwood Encyclopedia of World Popular Culture REF 306.03 G85W
    The Middle East and South Asia: REF 956 W89
    The Statesman’s Yearbook: REF 310 St2
    World Book Encyclopedia: REF 031 W89
    The World Factbook: REF 310 W89
    Worldmark Encyclopedia of the Nations: REF 910.3 W89

    Britannica Online:  This is the online version of the print edition listed above.

    Finding Additional Books in the Library
    Try the following terms as subject searches in the Ohrstrom’s online catalog.

    • Egypt, (or Jordan, or Iran, etc.)
    • Egypt, History (or Jordan, History or Iran, History etc.)
    • Middle East, History
    • Middle East, Politics and Government
    • Middle East, Religion

    Websites

    Also consider a search for “Middle East” at the Librarian’s Internet Index

    Library Databases
    All library databases are accessible HERE.

    Databases recommended for researching the Middle East:

    • Proquest – Proquest provides access to thousands of U.S. magazines and newspapers as well as some international titles. Search using keywords related to your topic.
      • For example: Jordan AND Religion
        • Search tip: Note the recommendations in the Topic box above your search results.
    • JSTOR – JSTOR provides access to dozens of scholarly political science journals as well as hundreds of additional academic journals. Search using keywords related to your topic.
      • For example: Iran AND “women’s rights” AND education
    • EBSCOHost – EbscoHost provides access to thousands of U.S. magazines and newspapers as well as some international titles. Search using keywords related to your topic.
      • For example: Turkish AND education AND literacy AND students
    • Final Tip:  As you become more familiar with your topic, consider adding additional, specific terminology to refine your searches.
      • For example: Afghanistan AND “Soviet Union” AND reconstruction AND Genev

    Download a PDF version of this research guide by clicking HERE.