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This guide provides selected resources for your PLCY 815 assignments. If you need help, please contact Nina Smart, , at , nsmart@sfu.ca ().
For detailed data questions, please contact the library's Data Team at data-services@sfu.ca
Finally, Ask a librarian if Nina is not available or you have a general question.
Databases
How to effectively search databases:
Search tips
How narrow or expand your search, with classic Boolean visuals, from SFU guide How to find journal articles
Boolean Searching
Power searching section of SFU Catalogue guide; tips apply to databases as well
Journal and newspaper articles
Political Science Complete
"political topics with a worldwide focus"
sample searches: "international agencies" AND "climate change"
("human trafficking" OR slavery OR "forced labor") AND (laws OR policy OR legislation)
ECONLIT
major international database for economics and political economy
sample search: cooperation AND "environmental economics"
Factiva fulltext international newspapers
"global range of publications provides both local insight and international perspective"
Policy documents and reports
Canada Commons
Canadian policy documents
(formerly desLibris/Canadian Electronic Library)
Policy Commons
Over 6 million policy documents from over 20,000 organizations around the world
Finding Briefs in these two databases:
While it is possible to search by Publication Type:Brief, it turns out that a lot more Briefing notes are listed under the publication type Reports. In short, use search: title:briefing
Example: title:briefing AND "non-state actors"
and then you can limited by Date, Organization, Country, etc.
There several other options such as Organizations or Tables, for finding publications with tabular information
Environmental topics
Public Policy topic page:
Environmental Policy
Canadian in focus, with useful Books and International sections
Services and more useful resources
Research Commons
Support for graduate students and researchers. Examples:
Literature reviews for graduate students
Covers search techniques, citation management, and more
including: Consultations; Writing workshops; writing groups; and ReadAhead
Presentations
Giving effective presentations and Resources to help you improve your presentation skills
Research Commons
Voice and Presentation Skills
SFU's Centre for Educational Excellence (CEE) has free workshops for SFU faculty, staff, and graduate students
Policy writing
Policy writing section from main Public Policy page
Other briefs:
Forced Labour Evidence Briefs
Re:Structure Lab
Research Publications
Library of Parliament
Search path: Find a Publication -> select Subject, e.g.: International affairs and defence.
Can limit to publication type, e.g. In briefs, Background papers, etc.