There are many subject reference sources that provide good background information, and often a list of references, on a variety of topics. Below is a sampling of titles that you may find useful.
The Blackwell Encyclopedia of SociologyThe library has over 450,000 items available for your use, including books and video and audio materials. A growing number of our books and videos are availble online, making it easier than ever to get access to great information.
When searching, include the name of your theorist as one of your keywords. Combine that with other terms to narrow your results to find resources about a particular aspect.
For instance, the keyword Goffman, by itself, will give you many more results than Goffman self, which narrows your results to just one aspect of his work.
Keep in mind that your results may include writings both by and about your theorist.
To find books and media that our library owns, use the Books & Media tab non the library homepage, to begin your search.
Simply enter one or more of your keywords and press the search button to begin. Don't add too much information (like full sentences, etc.), though! Start with one or two keywords and sort your results to see the newest items first.
Narrow your results using the limits on the right side of the results page.
When you've found a book that looks interesting, click the title to learn more about it, or (if it's Available), write down the location and call number and head to the shelves to get it!
Search the Cheng Library online catalog for books and media. If you need journal articles, go to our Databases page.
While searching the catalog, you'll find a number of books and videos with a location of Internet Resource, and a link in place of the call number.
Simply follow the link ('Click here for full text', 'View Streaming Video', etc.) to access the online version of these books and videos.
You will need to log in to view these items from off campus (and on campus, for videos). If you are having trouble, contact the reference desk for assistance (973-720-2116; refdesk@wpunj.edu).