Research Guide for
PAM 230 An Introduction to Policy Analysis
http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/pam230.html
Periodical
Indexes & Full Text Resources
Reference Materials
Legislative
Information
Statistical Sources
Research Help
Online
Reference Help in
PersonAssignment Description
Class Outline for PAM 230 Library sessions
- Current Media Coverage and Scholarly Analysis of Public Policy Issues: Periodical
Indexes & Full Text Resources
- PAIS
- Periodical Abstracts,
- Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe
- Reference Materials: Guides to understanding the public policy
process
- Legislative Information: Federal & State
- Congressional Universe
- Thomas
- FindLaw
- Washington Alert
- Statistical Sources
- Statistical Abstract of the United States
- Statistical Universe
Periodical Indexes & Full Text
Resources
-
CQ Researcher. Washington: Congressional Quarterly, 1991- . (Uris Ref H 35 .E23)
Formerly Editorial Research Reports. Washington: Congressional Quarterly, 1946- .
CQ Researcher is issued four times a month on subjects of current interest. Divided into three sections, each Researcher discusses the major issues, followed by background and historical developments and concludes with a discussion of the future, as well as a select bibliography of books, articles, reports, and studies. The annual cumulated volume also includes a reminder service with brief information about newsworthy events, and an index listing Researchers (by subject and title) for the past five years.
- Current Issues Sourcefile [computer file]. Bethesda,
Md.: Congressional
Information Service, 1996- . (Uris Ref Disk JK 1 .C97)
A full-text CD-ROM database which compiles and indexes papers of advocacy groups, professional and trade associations, federal agencies and think-tanks. Covers topics in the areas of criminal justice, business, education, environment, health and other contemporary social issues. Provides access to the "grey literature" which has traditionally been difficult to obtain.
- Index to Legal Periodicals and Books,
1981 - .
An online index to articles in legal journals such as law school, law reviews and bar association journals, as well as commentary on important court decisions. Prior to 1981, the index is available in print at the Law Library (KF 8 I37).
- Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe.
dates of coverage vary.
A Web-based database providing access to full text resources on topics including current and general news; business and financial information; newspapers; company directories; government and politics; medical and health topics; accounting, auditing, and tax; federal and state laws; legal cases; and regulations. Resources include TV and radio news transcripts. Updated daily.
- PAIS.
See also the print version: Public Affairs Information Service. Bulletin. 1915- . Monthly. (Olin Ref + Z 7613 .P67)
PAIS is an international index to periodical articles, books, and government documents about public policy issues: political, economic, and social conditions, public administration, and international affairs. The online version allows more flexibility in searching by subject. The print version provides access to items indexed before 1972. Many entries include brief abstracts.
- Periodical Abstracts (ProQuest
Direct) [online database]. Ann Arbor: UMI, 1986- .
Monthly.
Indexes all the magazines in Readers' Guide, most of the magazines and scholarly journals from Social Sciences Index, Humanities Index, General Science Index, and more. About 1500 periodicals are indexed. Each citation has an abstract, a brief summary of the article. The full text of many articles is also available, some with graphics.
Reference Materials--Guides to
Understanding the Public Policy Process
Federal:
- Congressional Quarterly Almanac. Vol. 1- . Washington: Congressional Quarterly,
1945- . (Olin Ref + JK 1 C66; also Uris and JGSM)
Each volume provides a survey of legislation for one session of Congress with summaries of major Congressional action. Includes voting information on numerous measures. The index allows for access by name or subject. Published annually.
- Congressional Quarterly's Guide to Congress. 4th ed. Washington:
Congressional Quarterly, 1991. (Olin Ref + JK 1021 C74 1991)
Contains some thirty-four chapters arranged under seven broad categories: Origins and Development of Congress, Powers of Congress, Congressional Procedures, Housing and Support of Congress, Congress and the Electorate, Pressures on Congress, and Qualifications and Conduct of Members. This fourth edition of the guide attempts to address important recent developments in our legislative process. Each chapter is followed by a bibliography of additional readings. When looking for a specific fact, be sure to check the index at the back first. Appendices include: A Biographical Listing of All Congressmen/Women, A Glossary of Congressional Terms, Documents of the Pre-Constitutional Period, and Congressional Statistics.
- CQ Weekly. Washington: Congressional
Quarterly, 1946- .(Uris Ref + JK 1 C661; also Olin)
CQ Weekly provides news summaries of congressional legislation, commission reports, presidential talks and appointments, and even information about birth dates, religious affiliation and occupation of senators and representatives. One of the best and most current of all publications dealing with government action. Covers Congress in depth, but also includes information on the executive and judicial branches of government. Quarterly indexes cumulate annually and provide access by subject. There are also special indexes for: Lobby registrations, Presidential texts, Committee roll call votes, etc. For daily updates of CQ Weekly see Washington Alert.
- National Journal, 1969 - .
(Olin Ref + JK 1 N27)
Weekly issues review actions and events throughout the Federal Government, including the White House, federal departments, and agencies, Congress and the Courts. Also available online in Congressional Universe.
- Oleszek, Walter. Congressional Procedures and the Policy Process. 4th ed. 1996.
(Olin Ref JK 1096 O45 1996)
An examination of how Congress makes laws and how its rules and procedures shape public policy. Describes the making of a law from introduction to final passage.
- United States Government Manual. annual. 1973/74 - . (Continues United
States
Government Organization Manual, 1935-1972/73).
(Olin Ref JK 421 A3; also Uris Ref)
The official handbook of the federal government containing descriptions of the agencies in all branches, as well as certain boards, committees and commissions. Congressional or executive authority for each agency's establishment is cited, and the prominent publications are listed for some of the more important units. Includes organization charts, addresses, and telephone numbers, regional maps. Also available online in GPO Access.
- Guide to State Legislative and Administrative Materials, ed. by Fisher, Mary L.
4th ed.
1988.
(Olin Ref + KF 1 G94 1988)
For each state, provides data in standardized format on the availability of bills, hearings, legislative digests, committee reports, debates, journals, legislative manuals and directories, slip laws, session laws, codes, attorneys general opinions, executive orders, administrative regulations, state law guides, etc.
- Inside the Legislative Process: a Comprehensive Survey of the American Society of
Legislative Clerks and Secretaries in Cooperation with the National Conference of State
Legislatures. triennial. 1991 - .
(Olin Ref + JK 2495 I57)
Describes the parliamentary practices within each state legislature.
- State Legislative Sourcebook. annual. 1986 - .
(Olin Ref + JK 2495 S792)
Provides basic data and lists sources of information concerning all 50 state legislative processes. Bill status and bill room telephone numbers for each state are also given.
- Encyclopedia of the American Legislative System: Studies of the Principal Structures,
Processes and Policies of Congress and the State Legislatures since the Colonial Era. Silbey,
Joel,
ed. 3 vols. 1994.
Olin Ref + JF 501 E53x 1994; also Uris Ref)
This extensive set of articles about the state and national legislatures in the United States provides historical background and contemporary analysis of their behavior, members, processes, and structures. Extensive coverage of the relationship between legislatures and public policy, the executive, the courts, and the media is also provided. Each article includes an annotated bibliography.
- The Left Guide: a Guide to Left-of-center Organizations. 1996 - .
(Olin Ref + HS 2321 L44)
A directory of organizations; see companion volume below (The Right Guide).
- Lowery, Roger C. Political Science : Illustrated Search Strategy and Sources: with an
Introduction to Legal Research for Undergraduates. 1993.
(Olin Ref JA 86 L91)
Offers a step-by-step approach to research in political science for undergraduates. Emphasizes US resources.
- The Right Guide: a Guide to Conservative and Right-of-center Organizations.
1993 - .
A directory of organizations; see companion volume above (The Left Guide).
(Olin Ref + HS 2321 R57)
Legislative Information
Federal:
- Congressional Index. 80th Congress - . 1937/38 - .
(Olin Ref JK 1001 C73)
Published by Commerce Clearing House, a major publisher of legal services. Lists and indexes all public bills and resolutions and reports their progress from introduction to final disposition. Indexes by subject, author. Information is very current; loose-leaf papers filed weekly.
- Congressional Record: Containing the Proceedings and Debates of the
43rd Congress to Date. 1873 - .
(Olin stacks + J 11 R4; current Index vol. in Ref)
Taken from stenographic reports of the debates and proceedings of Congress, the Record is issued daily while Congress is in session, and in bound form at the end of the session. (The name has changed since 1873.) Recent years available in several online resources including: Congressional Universe, GPO Access, Thomas and Washington Alert.
- Congressional Universe. 1970 - .
Serves as both an index and a full text source of US Congressional materials: members and committees, bills, laws, hearing transcripts, committee prints, documents, the Congressional Record, Federal Register, Code of Federal Regulations, US Code. Updated daily. Produced by Congressional Information Service, a major publisher of government documents related reference sources, including (in print) the CIS Index to publications of the United States Congress (1970 - ) [OLIN REF Z 1223 A2 C739+] and "historical" volumes and series covering the publications of Congress from 1789 to 1970. The latter is also available on CD-ROM in Olin Reference as Congressional Masterfile 1 [Disk Z 1223.A2 C737].
- GPO Access.
dates of coverage vary.
From this site users can connect to more than 25 text and data resources distributed by the Government Printing Office, such as Congressional Bills, Calendars, Directories, Records, GAO Reports, House and Senate Manuals, Supreme Court Decisions, Federal Register, and United States Code.
- Thomas--Legislative
Information on the Internet
Provides free access to a wide range of legislative information on the Congress, including the full text of the Congressional Record and bills for the 103rd to the present Congress, a directory of congressional committees and members of Congress, the weekly floor schedule for the House, and a schedule of daily committee hearings. Includes text of How Our Laws are Made by Edward F. Willett Jr.
- United States Code. . . Containing the General and
Permanent
Laws of the U. S. revised every six years. [1988 is latest edition; plus supplements]
(Olin Ref + KF 62 A2)
A codification of all federal laws in effect, arranged by subject under 50 broad categories ("titles"). Kept up to date by annual supplements. Completely revised every six years. Recent years available in several online resources including: Congressional Universe, FindLaw, GPO Access and Washington Alert.
- United States Statutes at Large. 1873 - .
(Olin K U545+; Last 5 volumes in Ref; latest volume also in Uris Ref)
Contains public laws, reorganization plans, private laws, and concurrent resolutions and proclamations. Arrangement is chronological (within these categories) by date of passage of the act. Recent years available in several online resources including: Congressional Universe, GPO Access, and Thomas.
- FindLaw: Internet Legal Resources.
dates
of coverage vary.
An excellent starting point on the Internet for local, state, federal, and international law.
- Guide to State Legislative and Administrative Materials, ed. by Fisher, Mary L.
4th ed.
1988.
(Olin Ref + KF 1 G94 1988)
For each state, provides data in standardized format on the availability of bills, hearings, legislative digests, committee reports, debates, journals, legislative manuals and directories, slip laws, session laws, codes, attorneys general opinions, executive orders, administrative regulations, state law guides, etc.
New York Red Book. Albany: Williams, 1892- . (Uris Ref JK 3431 A2; also Olin, Mann, etc.)
The subtitle of this work describes it well; "An illustrated Yearbook of Authentic Information Concerning New York State, Its Departments and Political Subdivisions and the Officials Who Administer Its Affairs." Included here are photographs and brief biographies of New York State elected and appointed officials, as well as descriptions, addresses and phone numbers of New York departments, offices and bureaus. (Such yearbooks exist for many of the fifty states and are all located in the JK section of the Olin Library Reference Department.)
- Washington Alert.
Provides online access to many resources that Congressional Quarterly publishes individually in print form, such as CQ Weekly and Politics in America. News and information about Congress is updated daily. Resources offered include bill tracking; bill texts; member and district profiles; staff directories; floor and committee votes; the text of the Congressional Record, the Federal Register, the Code of Federal Regulations, the United States Code, hearings, press briefings, Congressional documents, and committee reports; and news updates from newspapers, a wire service, and newsletters.
Statistical Sources
- National Safety Council. Statistics Division. Accident Facts. Chicago:
National Safety Council, 1934- . (Uris Ref HA 217 A17;
also Olin)
The National Safety Council gathers its data from such organizations as the U.S. Public Health Service, National Center for Health Statistics, State Registrars of Vital Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and many other agencies. Coverage includes household injuries, work accidents, motor vehicle accidents (including those involving alcohol use), automobile safety laws and much more. An invaluable source, although updating of information tends to be slow.
-
New York State Statistical Yearbook. Albany: Division of the Budget, 1967- . (Uris
Ref HA 541 N53; also Olin Ref HA 541 A35; ILR Ref HA 541 N53; Mann Ref HA 541 A3)
The standard source for statistics about New York state, including current data on population, elections, agriculture, education, transportation, housing and human services, economic indicators, and the environment. Many tables also list county-level data. An extensive directory of major state government agencies and a thorough index complete the annual volume.
- Statistical Abstract of the United States. Washington: Bureau of the Census, 1878- .
(Uris Ref HA 202 .A25; also Olin Ref, Mann Ref et al)
"The standard annual summary of statistics on the social, political and economic organization of the United States. It is designed to serve as a convenient volume for statistical reference and is a guide to other statistical publications and sources." (Preface) Appendix I refers to tables that update the series cited in Historical Statistics of the U.S. Appendix III, "Statistical Methodology and Reliability," defines basic U.S. surveys and notes limitations, such as sampling errors. A subject index is included to help find material by topic.
- Statistical Universe. 1973 - .
Provides comprehensive access to US statistical information. Includes an index to over 100,000 US government statistical publications from 1973 to present, abstracts and tables, and background information. Links to some full text. This information, along with indexing to international and non-governmental statistics is available on CD-ROM in Statistical Masterfile (Olin Ref Disk Z 7554 U5 S792). Both the online version and the CD-ROM are based on three separate print indexes: American Statistics Index (1973- ) (Olin Ref + Z 1223 A2 A51), Index to International Statistics (1983- ) (Olin Ref + Z 7552 I38), and Statistical Reference Index (1980- ) (Olin Ref + Z 7554 U5 S79). Note: Beginning in January 1999, Statistical Universe is expected to include the equivalent of all three print sources listed here; Statistical Masterfile will not be updated after December 1998.
Research Help Online
- The Reference Home
Page at O*K*U Libraries
-
Library Research at Cornell: A Hypertext Guide
- Library
Vocabulary: Definitions of Library Terms
Reference Help in Person
Reference Home Page
October 1998
Tony Cosgrave, ajc5@cornell.edu
Suzy Szasz Palmer, sms5@cornell.edu
Cornell University Library
URL: http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/pam230.html
Olin and Uris Libraries, Cornell University, Ithaca
NY 14853
Information and reference: 607-255-4144, okuref@cornell.edu
Circulation: (Olin) 607-255-4245, (Uris) 607-255-3537, okucirc@cornell.edu