Back to Political Science

This guide is intended to serve as a starting point for those seeking information  pertaining to political science from sources provided by the University at Albany Libraries.  It includes references  to information appearing in either print or digital format.  However, users interested in Internet sources may want to consult the companion Internet guides, Political Science and  United States Politics & Elections .  Those interested in in the fields of public administration and public policy may want to consult  Public Administration - Selected Information Sources   and its companion guide to Internet resources  Public Administration and Policy . Call numbers are included for the print sources. The call number is intended to enable the user to readily locate each source within the library.  The beginning part of the call number includes one or more of the following location symbols:

DEWEY - Thomas E. Dewey Graduate Library for Public Affairs and Policy

ULIB - University Library

REF - Reference area (first floor of either ULIB or DEWEY)

READYREF - Ready References (next to the reference desk at the University Library)

INDEX - Located on the 1st floor at Dewey

PER - Periodical (basement of either ULIB or DEWEY)

DATABASE FINDER - Accessible electronically from the University Library web
site.(Remote access available only to University at Albany students, faculty and staff.)

DICTIONARIES AND ENCYCLOPEDIAS

DIRECTORIES AND ALMANACS

SELECTED HANDBOOKS AND GUIDES TO THE LITERATURE AND RESEARCH

FINDING A BOOK

INDEXES AND ABSTRACTS

FULL TEXT DATABASES

STATISTICAL INFORMATION

GOVERNMENT MATERIALS

Dictionaries and Encyclopedias

The Blackwell Encyclopaedia of Political Institutions. Edited by Vernon Bogdanor. Oxford, UK: Basil Blackwell 1987.
   Explanation of concepts associated with political institutions , organizations and movements in industrial societies.  Included  are some political scientists. Brief bibliographies accompany each definition.
DEWEY:  REF JA 61 B56 1987

The Blackwell Encyclopaedia of  Political Thought .   Edited by David Miller ; advisory editors, Janet Coleman, William  Connolly, Alan Ryan. Oxford, UK ; New York, NY, USA : B. Blackwell, 1987.
  A concise guide to the major ideas and doctrines of political thought which affect the modern world.  The 400 entries deal mainly with western thought, but there are some entries covering non-western traditions.  Each entry is accompanied by a short reading list.
DEWEY:    REF  JA  61 B57 1987

A Dictionary of Modern Politics.  by David Robertson.  London : Europa Publications, c1993.
DEWEY:   REF JA 61 R63 1993

The Dictionary of Political Analysis.   by Jack C. Plano, Robert  E. Riggs, Helenan S. Robin.  Santa Barbara, CA : ABC-Clio, c1982.
  Terms included are primarily analytic concepts, rather than historical, institutional, or descriptive.  Emphasis given to terms which relate to the behavioral approach to political inquiry.  Each entry includes a definition, followed by a significance paragraph which provides illustrations, examples and applications of the term being defined.
DEWEY:   REF JA 61 P57 1982
ULIB:   REF  JA 61 P57 1982

A Dictionary of Political Thought.  by Roger Scruton.  New York : Harper & Row, c1982.
  Entries are devoted primarily to concepts of political thought as drawn from the disciplines of political science, philosophy, sociology, and economics.  Entries for individuals are limited to major thinkers rather than political figures.
DEWEY:   REF  JA 61 S37 1982

Dictionary of Politics: Selected American and Foreign Political and Legal Terms.  Walter John Raymond . Lawrenceville, VA: Brunswick, c1992.
   A dictionary defining terms about international politics and public law. Emphasis on U.S.
DEWEY:  REF JA 61 R39 1992

The Dictionary of 20th-century World Politics. byJay M. Shafritz, Phil Williams, Ronald S. Calinger.     New York : H. Holt, 1993.
DEWEY:   REF JA 61 S53 1993

Encyclopedia of the American Constitution.  by  Leonard W. Levy,  editor-in-chief ; Kenneth L. Karst, associate editor ; Dennis J. Mahoney, assistant editor.  4 vols.  & 1992 supplement.   New York : Free Press, c1986.
  Includes over 2,000 articles covering doctrinal concepts of constitutional law, people, judicial decisions, public acts, and historical periods.  Articles vary in length, with some being up to 6,000 words, and include bibliographies.
DEWEY:   REF  KF 4548 E53 1986
ULIB:       REF  KF 4548 E53 1986

Encyclopedia of the American Presidency.  Editors, Leonard W.  Levy,  Louis Fisher. 2 vols.  New York : Simon & Schuster, 1998,c1994.
  Over one thousand articles covering every aspect of the office.  Entries are arranged alphabetically with a general and case name index.  Brief bibliography accompanies each entry.
ULIB:   REF  JK 511 E53 1998
DEWEY:   REF  JK 511 E53 1994 (earlier edition)
 

The Encyclopedia of the United Nations and International  Relations.  2nd ed.  by  Edmund Jan Osmanczyk.  New York : Taylor and Francis, 1990.
  A one volume work includes entries on the UN, its agencies, organizations it cooperates with, international agreements, conventions, and treaties, as well as general political, economic, military, geographical, sociological, diplomatic, and legal concepts as they relate to international affairs.  the arrangement is alphabetical and most entries contain a reference to a source of additional information.  For current information check the  Internet site, United Nations System of Organizations.
DEWEY:   REF  JX 1977 O8213 1990
ULIB:  REF / JX 1977 O8213 1990

International Encyclopedia of Elections.  Edited by Richard Rose.  Washington, D.C. : CQ Press, 2000.
  One hundred forty-seven articles "designed to explain how diverse features of elections work in different historical, geographical, and cultural settings."  A bibliography is included for each article and the appendix includes tabular information on election systems in independent countries.
DEWEY:   REF  JF 1001 I57 2000

Survey of Social Science : government and politics series.  Edited by Frank N. Magill; consulting editor Joseph M.  Bessette.  5 vols.  Pasadena, CA: Salem Press, c1995.
  Concise summaries (typically six pages in length) of over 300 areas of study pertaining to government and/or political science.  Each article includes a short bibliography.
DEWEY:    REF JA 61 S88 1995

 West's Encyclopedia of American law.    12 vols. & yearbook  Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN : West Pub. Co., 1998-.
  "Over 4,000 articles devoted to terms, concepts, events, movements, cases, and persons significant to U.S. law."  Bibliographies for many of the articles are included in the back of the volume which includes the article. The last volume includes a dictionary of legal terms and name, subject, and case indexes.
DEWEY:   REF  KF 154 W47 1998
ULIB:   LAW  KF 154 W47 1998

World Encyclopedia of Parliaments and Legislatures.   Edited by George Thomas Kurian;  consulting editors, Lawrence D. Longley, Thomas O. Melia.  2 vols. Washington, D.C. : Congressional Quarterly, c1998.
  Provides information, including historical background, constitutional basis, rules, criteria for membership, and organization, on the national parliaments/legislatures of more than one hundred ninety countries.  A bibliography is included for each entry.
DEWEY:   REF JF 511 W67 1998

  National

The Almanac of American Politics.  Edited by Michael Barone, et al.  Washington, D.C. National Journal, 1972-.
  More than a directory, this biennial publication provides analyses and commentaries on the political issues and trends in each state and congressional district.  Includes election results, votes on key issues, ratings by interest groups, campaign contributions and expenditures.  Also, includes commentaries on the political climate for the nation, its regions, the House, the Senate, and the Presidency.
ULIB:   JK 271 B343 latest issue shelved in REF
DEWEY:    REF  JK 271 B343
INTERNET:  http://nationaljournal.com/pubs/almanac/ ; get password and user id at either Dewey or ULIB reference desk

Politics in America.  Edited by Philip D. Duncan and Brian Nutting.  Washington, D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Inc., 1982-.
  This biennial publication provides biographical and political history information on current governors, U.S. Senators, and House of Representative members from each state.  Analysis of the demographic and political trends for each state and congressional district is included.  Individual entries include committee assignments, election results, campaign finance information, key votes, voting studies, and interest group ratings.
ULIB: JK 1010 P64 latest issue shelved in REF
DEWEY:   REF  JK 1010 P64

Biographical directory of the American Congress, 1774-1996.  Edited by Joel D. Treese.  Alexandria, VA: CQ Staff Directories, Inc., 1997.
  Includes biographical information on each of the more than 11,400 men and women who served in either the Continental Congress between 1774 and 1789 or the U.S. Congress from 1789 to January 3, 1997.
ULIB: REF  JK 1030 B56 1996
DEWEY: REF / JK 1030 B56 1996

The United States Government Manual. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1935-.
  This annual publication is the official handbook of the federal government.  It serves as a directory to government officials and as a concise guide to the three branches of the federal government and its departments, agencies, and quasi official agencies.
ULIB: JK 421 A3 latest issue shelved in REF
DEWEY: REF  JK 421 A3 retain latest year only
INTERNET: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/browse-gm.html

Congressional staff directory. Washington, DC: CQ Press, 2000.
  Published three times a year.  Provides directory information regarding congressional staff members and staff of  agencies associated with Congress.  Some staff member biographies are included.
 ULIB: JK 1012 C65 latest two issues shelved in Ready REF
DEWEY: JK 1012 C65 latest two issues shelved in REF

Congressional Quarterly Almanac.  Washington, DC: Congressional Quarterly Inc., 1948-.
  An annual compendium of the most recently completed congressional session.  Provides summaries of legislative action, roll call votes, analyses of members' voting patterns, interest group ratings, and the text of presidential messages to Congress.
ULIB: REF  JK 1 C66
DEWEY: JK 1 C66 latest two years in REF

Who's who in American politics.  New York : Bowker, 1967-.
This biennial includes biographical references to approximately 25,000 individuals currently active in politics at a national, state or local level.
ULIB: E 176 W6424 latest issue shelved in REF
DEWEY: REF E 176 W6424 latest two issues shelved in REF, earlier issues in storage

  State

The Book of the States.  Lexington, KY: Council of State Governments, 1935-.
  This biennial (annual since 2002) provides authoritative narrative reviews and analyses of major trends in state government.  The narrative descriptions are supported by statistical tables and listings for the major officeholders in each state.  The information is divided into eleven chapters e.g., state constitutions, state executive branch,, state finances, programs and issues.
 ULIB:  JK 2403 B615 latest year shelved in REF
 DEWEY: REF  JK 2403 B615 1984/85+ shelved in REF

The New York Red Book. Guilderland, NY: New York Legal Publishing Corp., 1892-.
  Includes biographical information on New York State office holders as well as descriptions of New York State departments and agencies.  Also includes information on county office holders, political information, and biographical information on members of New York's congressional delegation.
ULIB:  JK 3430 N5  latest issue in ready REF
DEWEY:  JK 3430 N5 latest issue in REF
INTERNET: http://24.97.34.82/ ; get password and user id from the reference desk at ULIB or Dewey

The New York State Directory.  Albany, NY: Empire State Report, Inc., c1983-.
  Directory for the NYS executive, legislative and judicial branches.  Also, includes references to State agencies and private organizations divided into approximately twenty five policy areas.
ULIB:  REF  ReadyRef JK 3430 N53X
DEWEY:   Ref JK 3430 N53X

LexisNexis State Capital.  Bethesda, MD: Congressional Information Services, c2000.
Provides access to bills, laws, constitutions, proposed and  enacted regulations, legislature membership and newspapers of record for all the states.  Also, briefs on major issues involving state governments and links to relevant Internet sites.
DATABASE FINDER:  LexisNexis State Capital ;  off campus access limited to U. of Albany faculty, students, and staff

  Local

Carroll's County Directory.  Washington, D.C. : Carroll Pub., c1995-.
  National directory of county level officials.
DEWEY:  REF  JS 414 C67  retain latest issue only

Carroll's Municipal Directory.  Washington, D.C. : Carroll Pub., c1995-.
  National directory of municipal level officials.
 DEWEY: REF JS 363 M86 retain latest issue only

The Municipal year book; an authoritative resume of activities and statistical data of American cities.  Chicago, International City Managers' Association, 1934-.
Annual publication including the listing of city officials by functional areas, as well as statistical information, and articles dealing with management issues, intergovernmental issues, and staffing and compensation.
 ULIB:  JS 342 A2 I52 latest issue shelved in REF
 DEWEY:  JS 342 A2 I52 latest issue shelved in REF

  International

The Statesman's year-book.  London : Macmillan ; New York : St. Martin's Press, 1864-.
This annual publication provides concise factual information about the countries of the world, and international organizations.  The countries are arranged in alphabetical order.  Each entry includes information on the state's history, demographics, geography, climate, government, defense, economy, natural resources, industry, communications, religion, education, welfare system, and its leaders.
 ULIB:  JA 51 S7 latest issue shelved in REF
 DEWEY:  JA 51 S7 latest issue shelved in REF

The International year book and statesmen's who's who.  East Grinstead, England : Kelly's Directories, 1953-.
An annual publication providing basic information on international organizations, states of the world, and dependent states and territories.  Includes biographical information on significant international politicians, diplomats, and business persons.
 ULIB:  JA 51 I57 latest issue shelved in REF
 DEWEY:   REF JA 51 I57 retain latest year only

Political Handbook of the World.  Edited by Arthur S. Banks and Thomas C. Muller.  Binghamton, New York: DSA Publications, 1975-.
This annual publication provides current statistical and other descriptive information on the governments of over 180 countries and world intergovernmental organizations.
ULIB:   JF 37 P6XC latest issue shelved in REF
DEWEY:  REF JF 37 P6XC latest two editions shelved in REF; earlier editions in storage

  Professional

Directory of members / American Political Science Association.  Washington, DC : The Association, c1991-.
Triennial publication.
ULIB: REF JA 28 A56XA retain latest issue only
DEWEY: REF JA 28 A56XA  retain latest issue only

Graduate faculty and programs in political science.    Washington, D.C. : American Political Science Association, 1992-.
Triennial publication.
 ULIB:  REF JA 88 U6 G8 retain latest two editions only
 DEWEY:  REF JA 88 U6 G8 retain latest two editions only
 
 

The Cambridge History ot Twentieth-Century Political Thought. Edited by Terence Ball and Richard Bellamy. New York: Cambridge University press, 2003.
Includes essays on liberal democracy and its opposition, Marxism, the interaction between science and political thought, new social movements (feminism, environmentalism, etc.), non-Western political thought.
DEWEY: REF JA 83 C25 2003

A Companion to Contemporary Political Philosophy.   Edited by Robert E. Goodin and Philip Pettit. Cambridge, MA: Blackwell Publishers, 1993.
Survey articles covering disciplines contributing to political science, major ideologies, and special topics, i.e. democracy, federalism, legitimacy, totalitarianism, etc.
ULIB: JA 71 C565 1993
DEWEY: REF JA 71 C565 1993