University Library

Using the Library during the national lockdown

Sociology, Social Policy & Criminology: Home

Using the Library

For current information on Library services see Welcome to your Library.

Students, remember there is study skills support available via KnowHow

I am available to offer library support and advice to staff and students. Please contact me via email if you have a question and I will do my best to help.

For general library queries you can contact library@liverpool.ac.uk

Take care everyone, Lisa

Liaison Librarian

Lisa Hawksworth

Email Me

Contact:

I'm currently working from home, so please contact me by email with your query or to arrange an online appointment.

Subjects:Criminology, Law, Social Policy, Sociology

Follow @LivUniLibrary

About this guide

Welcome to the LibGuide for Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology. These pages highlight key resources which can be used to support your research in these subject areas. Use the tabs at the top of the page to find information about different types of sources and referencing.

Databases for Sociology, Social Policy & Criminolgy

Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology
Updated regularly with new material, this publication gives instant access to the most authoritative and up-to-date scholarship in the field.

The definitions and explanations of the key concepts are written by scholars in the field. Entries range from short definitions of key terms to extended explorations of major topics. This resource provides materials that have historically defined the discipline, but also includes more recent developments.
Mass Observation Online
- This link opens in a new window
Papers from the Mass Observation project providing insight into the cultural and social history of Britain from 1937 to 1965.

Explore original manuscript and typescript papers created and collected by the Mass Observation organisation, as well as printed publications, photographs, and interactive features. Topics covered include crime, shopping, dance, popular music, sport, reading, ethnic minorities, family planning, health, and cinema. It is recommended for historians, literary scholars, sociologists, anthropologists, and political scientists. Coverage: 1937-1965.
SAGE Research Methods
Access to methods content from SAGE books, dictionaries, encyclopaedias, handbooks and articles.

It supports research at all levels by providing material to guide users through every step of the research process. The site is designed to guide users to the content they need to learn about their method. The Methods Map can help those less familiar with research methods to find the best technique to use in their research.
Scopus
- This link opens in a new window
- This link opens in a new window
Index to journal articles, conference papers in all subject discplines, with links to full-text where available.

Scopus is Elsevier's database, launched in 2004. It combines a comprehensive abstract and citation database with data and linked scholarly content. Content derives from peer-reviewed journals, and ebooks in subject fields, such as life sciences, social sciences, physical sciences, and health sciences. Coverage: 1823 to present.
Social Care Online
The UK's largest online database of information on all aspects of social work and social care, including legislation, government documents, practice and guidance, systematic reviews, research briefings, UK grey (informally-published) literature, books, text books and journal articles.

It was first launched in May 2005. Previously it was known as the Electronic Library for Social Care (eLSC). Content originates from the National Institute for Social Work library and includes resources dating back to the 1980s. It includes legislation, government documents, practice and guidance, systematic reviews, research briefings, UK grey (informally published) literature, reports, and journal articles.
Gale Primary Sources: The Times Digital Archive, 1785-2014
- This link opens in a new window
The Times Digital Archive includes every page as published from over 200 years of The Times.

This historical archive allows you to search this newspaper online in its original published context. The Times has offered readers coverage of world events since its creation in 1785 and is the oldest daily newspaper in continuous publication. The archive supports research across multiple disciplines and areas of interest, including business, humanities, political science, and philosophy, and coverage of major international historical events.
UK Data Service
Access to key national and international datasets. Free registration is required.

Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), it provides access to local, regional, national and international social and economic data; it gives support for policy-relevant research in the higher education, public and commercial sectors; guidance and training for the development of skills in data use. Data users can browse UK Data Service collections online and register to analyse and download them.
Web of Science Core Collection
- This link opens in a new window
Index to journal articles, conference papers in all subject discplines, with links to full-text where available.

Coverage includes current and retrospective journal and proceedings data in the sciences, social sciences, arts, and humanities. We have access to Science Citation Index Expanded (from 1970), Social Sciences Citation Index (from 1970), Arts & Humanities Citation Index (from 1975), Conference Proceedings Citation Index (from 1990), and Emerging Sources Citation Index (from 2015).

Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology
Updated regularly with new material, this publication gives instant access to the most authoritative and up-to-date scholarship in the field.

The definitions and explanations of the key concepts are written by scholars in the field. Entries range from short definitions of key terms to extended explorations of major topics. This resource provides materials that have historically defined the discipline, but also includes more recent developments.
Cambridge Core Books
Full-text of selected eBooks from Cambridge University Press. Titles are also accessible individually from the library catalogue and DISCOVER.

Cambridge University Press publishes a wide range of research monographs, academic reference, textbooks, books for professionals, and large numbers of books aimed at graduate students. Cambridge Core is central for academic research and it is the place to find inspirational research and academic information.
Elgaronline
Full-text scholarly research monographs on a wide range of subjects (Law, Business, Economics, Social and Political Sciences).

The scholarly research monographs are in major subject areas of law, business, economics, and the social sciences. The handbooks in social sciences provide surveys of important areas across economics, law, business and management and social and political science. This database also contains reference works, such as companions, dictionaries, and encyclopaedias.
Encyclopedia of Sex and Gender
Articles addressing issues such as identity, status and ethnicity through the lens of gender,

It examines issues of identity, status, class, ethnicity, race, and nation; issues of sexuality and the body; of social institutions and the structures of representation. Topics include changing conceptions of "the feminine," the family and masculinity, religion, morality, cultural images, medical practice, public health, economy, and society.
Oxford Scholarship Online
Access to selected Oxford University press eBooks in several subject disciplines. Titles are also accessible individually from the library catalogue and DISCOVER.

We have access to ebooks in the following 17 subject areas: biology, business and management, classical studies, economics and finance, history, law, linguistics, literature, music, neuroscience, palliative care, philosophy, physics, political science, psychology, public health and epidemiology, and sociology.
SAGE Encyclopedia of Social Science Research Methods
Searchable online version of this major reference work on social science research methods.

Organized alphabetically, this publication covers research terms ranging from different methodological approaches to epistemological issues and statistical techniques. There are two types of entries: definitions consisting of a paragraph or two to provide a brief explanation of a methodological term; and topical treatments or essays that discuss the nature, history, applications, and implications of using a certain method, including suggested readings.
Taylor and Francis Books
Full-text access to selected Taylor & Francis eBooks.

The Taylor & Francis Group is an international company originating in England that publishes books and academic journals. eBooks published by Taylor & Francis (including imprints CRC Press and Routledge) cover a wide range of subjects. Note that full text access is only available to titles purchased by the University.

Cambridge Journals
Full-text access to selected Cambridge University Press journals covering many subject disciplines.

Cambridge University Press publishes peer-reviewed academic journals covering subjects across the humanities, social sciences and science, technology, and medicine. We have access to most of their content back to volume one.
JSTOR
- This link opens in a new window
Archives of academic journal covering all subject disciplines.

We have access to the following packages: Arts & Sciences I-IIV, Arts & Sciences IX, Biological Sciences, Ireland, 19th Century British Pamphlets, and South Asia Open Archives.
National Criminal Justice Reference Service Abstracts
- This link opens in a new window
Index to journal articles, reports and books dealing with US research, policy, and practice related to criminal and juvenile justice, and drug control. Access is provided by the US Department of Justice.

NCJRS provides records for criminal justice, juvenile justice, and substance abuse resources. It offers sources from state and local governments as well as international records. All documents are either written in English or have an English language summary. Subjects include corrections, courts, crime prevention, criminology, drugs, juveniles, law enforcement, crime statistics, and victims. Coverage: 1975 to present.
Oxford Academic Journals
Full-text access to selected Oxford University Press journals covering many subject disciplines.

Oxford University Press publishes quality journals and delivers research to a wide audience. It works closely with its society partners, authors, and subscribers to provide them with publishing services that support their research needs. We have access to most OUP journals, and in most cases access starts from Volume 1.
SAGE Journals
Full-text access to selected SAGE journals covering many subject disciplines.

You can browse the journal platform for the latest top downloaded articles, special issues, and full journal portfolios from the available disciplines. We have access to most SAGE journals, and the coverage is from Volume 1, in most cases.
Scopus
- This link opens in a new window
- This link opens in a new window
Index to journal articles, conference papers in all subject discplines, with links to full-text where available.

Scopus is Elsevier's database, launched in 2004. It combines a comprehensive abstract and citation database with data and linked scholarly content. Content derives from peer-reviewed journals, and ebooks in subject fields, such as life sciences, social sciences, physical sciences, and health sciences. Coverage: 1823 to present.
Taylor and Francis Online
Full-text access to selected Taylor & Francis journals covering many subject disciplines.

We subscribe to the Social Sciences and Humanities Collection but only to a small number of the science and engineering journals (not their Science & Technology Collection). 'New launch' journals are available for the first two years, but we lose access from year three. We have purchased the journal backfiles in behavioral science; business, management and economics; geography, planning, urban and environment; politics, international relations & area studies; and strategic, defence and security studies.
Web of Science Core Collection
- This link opens in a new window
Index to journal articles, conference papers in all subject discplines, with links to full-text where available.

Coverage includes current and retrospective journal and proceedings data in the sciences, social sciences, arts, and humanities. We have access to Science Citation Index Expanded (from 1970), Social Sciences Citation Index (from 1970), Arts & Humanities Citation Index (from 1975), Conference Proceedings Citation Index (from 1990), and Emerging Sources Citation Index (from 2015).
Social Care Online
The UK's largest online database of information on all aspects of social work and social care, including legislation, government documents, practice and guidance, systematic reviews, research briefings, UK grey (informally-published) literature, books, text books and journal articles.

It was first launched in May 2005. Previously it was known as the Electronic Library for Social Care (eLSC). Content originates from the National Institute for Social Work library and includes resources dating back to the 1980s. It includes legislation, government documents, practice and guidance, systematic reviews, research briefings, UK grey (informally published) literature, reports, and journal articles.

BBC Monitoring
BBC Monitoring reports and analyses news from TV, radio, the web and print media around the world. Select 'Login', then select 'Login via Academic Institution'. Choose 'University of Liverpool' and enter your University username and password if prompted.
You will need to accept the Terms and Conditions for use.

The resource contains news alerts, reports, roundups, insights, programme summaries, and reference sections with biographies. New alerts provide key developments on major stories, as they happen and programme summaries feature comprehensive summaries of television and radio programmes, with detailed timeline and key topics covered.
BoB
BoB enables all staff and students in subscribing institutions to choose and record any broadcast programme from 60+ TV and radio channels.

BoB (formerly Box of Broadcasts or BoB National) is a shared online off-air TV and radio recording service for UK higher and further education institutions. The first time you use BoB you will be prompted to enter an email address to use the MyBoB Playlist facility.
BoB is only available to users on the UK mainland.
Daily Express
Includes full page images for every issue of the Daily Express from 1900 to the present day.

The Daily Express, also called Express, is a morning newspaper published in London and it is known for its thorough coverage of international events. Coverage: 1900 to present.
Gale Primary Sources: Daily Mail Historical Archive, 1896-2004
- This link opens in a new window
Searchable archive of over 100 years of the Daily Mail.

The Daily Mail has been at the heart of British journalism since 1896, changing the course of government policy and setting the national debate. As well as the regular edition of the newspaper, this database also includes the Daily Mail Atlantic Edition, which was published on board the cruise ships that sailed between New York and Southampton from 1923 to 1931.
Daily Mirror
Includes full page images for every issue of the Daily Mirror from 1903 to the present day.

The Daily Mirror was the first newspaper in the world to print photographs, and the illustrated front pages are a pictorial record of the first third of 20th century. After brief support for the British Union of Fascists in the early 30s, the Mirror changed hands and found huge success as the paper of the working class, opposing appeasement, and criticising any wartime Establishment incompetence.
Economist
Insight and opinion on news, politics and business. Includes web-only content such as blogs, debate and audio-visual programmes.

The website provides access to all the articles from the print edition, as well as web-only content such as blogs, debates, and audio-visual programmes, complete with a searchable archive. Coverage: 1997 to present.
Gale Primary Sources: The Economist Historical Archive, 1843–2015
- This link opens in a new window
Full-text of The Economist from 1843-2007.

Full-colour images, multiple search indexes, exportable financial tables and a gallery of front covers highlight a key topic of each week. These all combine to offer a source of research covering the 19th and 20th centuries. Coverage: 1843-2015.
Gale Primary Sources: Financial Times Historical Archive, 1888-2016
- This link opens in a new window
Access to the complete searchable run of the world's most authoritative daily business newspaper. Every item ever printed in the paper, from 1888-2006.

Initially focused on the global financial and economic issues, the Financial Times expanded coverage in the post-war years, reporting on topics such as industry, energy, and international politics. In recent decades, coverage of management, personal finance, and the arts has been added. The online facsimile contains the complete run of the London edition from its first issue through 2010 (part 1) and through 2016 (part 2).
Investment Arbitration Reporter
Investment Arbitration Reporter is a news & analysis service tracking international arbitrations between foreign investors and sovereign governments.

It offers detailed coverage, with focus on investigation of unreported cases and rapid review and analysis of legal documents and policy developments. It also contains investor-state claims, enabling subscribers to monitor particular cases or arbitrators, and to research developments in a chosen country, treaty-regime, or time-period.
Kanopy
Kanopy provides access to one of the most unique collections of films in the world. Films range from award-winning documentaries, indie and foreign films, must-see classics, training films and theatrical releases – on every topic imaginable

Find movies, documentaries, foreign films, classic cinema, independent films, and educational videos that inspire, and entertain. To be able to start watching the content on Kanopy, you need to sign up with your university login.
Lexis Library
- This link opens in a new window
Legal database which also provides access to UK local and national newspapers.

It also includes full-text articles from legal, business and trade publications, annual reports and other company information and UK local and national newspapers. Content has been expanded to include access to a range of Commonwealth legal sources, including case law, legislation, commentary, journals and news for Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and New Zealand. The Law Library Guide includes a Lexis Library tutorial.
Gale Primary Sources: Picture Post Historical Archive, 1938-1957
- This link opens in a new window
Contains every issue of the pioneering photojournalism newspaper.

Picture Post’s innovative use of photojournalism captured the imagination of the British people. In the era before television, it became the window on the world, bringing the social and political issues of the day into consciousness. This resource provides a snapshot of British life from the 1930s to the 1950s, with thousands of photos of ordinary people doing ordinary things.
ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Guardian and The Observer
Access to archives of two key news publications.

Originally known as the Manchester Guardian, the Guardian was a Saturday-only paper until the newspaper stamp duty was repealed in 1855. The Observer, the world's oldest Sunday paper, was first published in 1791. Writers such as George Orwell, Vita Sackville-West, Clive James, Philip Toynbee, and others were contributors, continuing a tradition of freedom of the press and providing coverage of politics and literature. Coverage: 1791 - 2003.
Gale Primary Sources: The Sunday Times Historical Archive, 1822-2006
- This link opens in a new window
Provides access to in-depth and investigative journalism covering subjects from crime to culture, sport to science, princes to poverty, and everything in-between.

The Sunday Times launched on 20th October 1822. Since its first issue, the newspaper has provided analysis and commentary on the week's news and society. Murder, theatre, sport, and politics-all collide in its pages in an abundance of colourful detail. This Digital Archive is a gateway to the greatest crimes, careers, and culture of the last 180 years.
Gale Primary Sources: The Times Digital Archive, 1785-2014
- This link opens in a new window
The Times Digital Archive includes every page as published from over 200 years of The Times.

This historical archive allows you to search this newspaper online in its original published context. The Times has offered readers coverage of world events since its creation in 1785 and is the oldest daily newspaper in continuous publication. The archive supports research across multiple disciplines and areas of interest, including business, humanities, political science, and philosophy, and coverage of major international historical events.

International Aggregate Data from the UK Data Service
Access to census data via the UK Data Archive.

This data service is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to meet the data needs of researchers, students, and teachers from all sectors. Census Data is based at the UK Data Archive. Access is via the UK Federation login, but an online registration form needs to be completed.
Mass Observation Online
- This link opens in a new window
Papers from the Mass Observation project providing insight into the cultural and social history of Britain from 1937 to 1965.

Explore original manuscript and typescript papers created and collected by the Mass Observation organisation, as well as printed publications, photographs, and interactive features. Topics covered include crime, shopping, dance, popular music, sport, reading, ethnic minorities, family planning, health, and cinema. It is recommended for historians, literary scholars, sociologists, anthropologists, and political scientists. Coverage: 1937-1965.
National Criminal Justice Reference Service Abstracts
- This link opens in a new window
Index to journal articles, reports and books dealing with US research, policy, and practice related to criminal and juvenile justice, and drug control. Access is provided by the US Department of Justice.

NCJRS provides records for criminal justice, juvenile justice, and substance abuse resources. It offers sources from state and local governments as well as international records. All documents are either written in English or have an English language summary. Subjects include corrections, courts, crime prevention, criminology, drugs, juveniles, law enforcement, crime statistics, and victims. Coverage: 1975 to present.

Office for National Statistics
The recognised national statistical institute of the UK.

SAGE Encyclopedia of Social Science Research Methods
Searchable online version of this major reference work on social science research methods.

Organized alphabetically, this publication covers research terms ranging from different methodological approaches to epistemological issues and statistical techniques. There are two types of entries: definitions consisting of a paragraph or two to provide a brief explanation of a methodological term; and topical treatments or essays that discuss the nature, history, applications, and implications of using a certain method, including suggested readings.
SAGE Research Methods
Access to methods content from SAGE books, dictionaries, encyclopaedias, handbooks and articles.

It supports research at all levels by providing material to guide users through every step of the research process. The site is designed to guide users to the content they need to learn about their method. The Methods Map can help those less familiar with research methods to find the best technique to use in their research.
UK Data Service
Access to key national and international datasets. Free registration is required.

Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), it provides access to local, regional, national and international social and economic data; it gives support for policy-relevant research in the higher education, public and commercial sectors; guidance and training for the development of skills in data use. Data users can browse UK Data Service collections online and register to analyse and download them.

UK Parliamentary Papers
- This link opens in a new window
Full-text access to historical Parliamentary papers from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

Parliamentary Papers influenced public opinion and social and political philosophy and provided a forum for the ideas of thinkers of the day. With the core content of House of Commons Parliamentary Papers and House of Lords Parliamentary Papers, the digitization of the Parliamentary Papers of the UK Parliament has made this resource a research destination for everything associated with parliamentary research.
Investment Arbitration Reporter
Investment Arbitration Reporter is a news & analysis service tracking international arbitrations between foreign investors and sovereign governments. It has a particular focus on the investigation of unreported cases, and comprehensive review and discussion of legal documents and important policy developments

It offers detailed coverage, with focus on investigation of unreported cases and rapid review and analysis of legal documents and policy developments. It also contains investor-state claims, enabling subscribers to monitor particular cases or arbitrators, and to research developments in a chosen country, treaty-regime, or time-period.
Lexis Library
- This link opens in a new window
Legal research tool providing access to UK, EU and some international cases, legislation, commentary. plus articles from some legal journals, business and trade publications and UK local and national newspapers.

It also includes full-text articles from legal, business and trade publications, annual reports and other company information and UK local and national newspapers. Content has been expanded to include access to a range of Commonwealth legal sources, including case law, legislation, commentary, journals and news for Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and New Zealand. The Law Library Guide includes a Lexis Library tutorial.
Social Care Online
The UK's largest online database of information on all aspects of social work and social care, including legislation, government documents, practice and guidance, systematic reviews, research briefings, UK grey (informally-published) literature, books, text books and journal articles.

It was first launched in May 2005. Previously it was known as the Electronic Library for Social Care (eLSC). Content originates from the National Institute for Social Work library and includes resources dating back to the 1980s. It includes legislation, government documents, practice and guidance, systematic reviews, research briefings, UK grey (informally published) literature, reports, and journal articles.

DART-Europe E-theses Portal
DART-Europe is a partnership of research libraries and library consortia who are working together to improve global access to European research theses.

DART-Europe partners help to provide researchers with a single European Portal for the discovery of Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs). It offers partners a European networking forum on ETD issues and may provide the opportunity to submit collaborative funding applications.
EThOS e-Theses Online Service
EThOS provides access to UK doctoral theses online.

EThOS aims to provide free access to the full text of as many theses as possible for use by all researchers and it helps institutions to meet the expectation of the UK Research Councils that PhDs supported by a Research Council Training Grant should be made freely available in an open access repository.
ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global
- This link opens in a new window
Includes the full-text of thousands of dissertations and theses from academic institutions worldwide.

A digital dissertations archive for the Library of Congress, and a database of record for graduate research. It includes searchable citations to dissertations and theses from 1861 to the present, and full-text dissertations that are available for download. Full text for most dissertations added since 1997, and retrospective full-text coverage for older graduate works. The resource also includes PQDT UK and Ireland content.
Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
Use to find details of international theses.

It assists students and universities in using electronic publishing and digital libraries to more effectively share knowledge to unlock the potential benefits worldwide. It also supports electronic publishing and open access to scholarship to enhance the sharing of knowledge.

Library App

The Library App has lots of great features to help you get the most out of your Library:

Use the virtual ID card to get into the Library and borrow books
View and renew your books
Access Library help

Search for UoL Library in Google Play or the App Store.

News from the Department of Sociology, Social Policy & Criminology

Quick Links

Last Updated: Jan 7, 2021 9:37 AM
URL: https://libguides.liverpool.ac.uk/sociology-social-policy
Print Page

Subjects: Criminology, Social Policy, Sociology

Find a course

Select type

96%+ of our graduates are in employment or further study six months after graduation.

96%+ of our graduates are in employment or further study six months after graduation.

Study with Liverpool

Find a course

Select type

Study in Liverpool

Study globally

Research with real world impact

Our research

Research

Postgraduate Research

Research and business collaboration

Advancing knowledge to transform lives

About us

Our story

Key information

Our locations

Search