Anthropology: Get Started

• Use encyclopedias and handbooks to find background information and educate yourself about possible topics. The encyclopedias listed below are all available online. More Anthropology books are located on the 1st floor of the UW Tacoma Library, in the Snoqualmie Room.
• Think of all the words and synonyms related to your topic before your begin searching.
• Try including "anthropology" as a subject term when you search library databases for books and articles. This can help ensure that you find research on your topic done by other anthropologists.
• Browse database subject lists to generate ideas.
• Locate some books on the shelves and take time to look at them.
• It may be helpful to look at browse research guides in subject areas other than Anthropology. Some subject guides that may be helpful are:
  • Gender & Sexuality Studies
  • Popular Culture
  • Religion
  • Urban Studies
  • American Indian History & Studies
  • Latino/a and Latin American Studies
  • There are many History subject guides focused on specific world regions
• Remember to stop occasionally and assess what you're finding. Are you finding the results that you want? Do you need to change something about how you are searching to get better results, such as trying new search terms or a different database?
• If you need help finding resources, you can visit the reference desk in the Snoqualmie Library Building or contact your subject librarian.

Reference books can be a great starting place for finding background information on topics that interest you. When starting a research project, they can help you select a topic that you are interested in researching. The following reference materials are all available online.

• Anthropology and Archaeology
• Museology
• Folklore and Mythology