Library: Background Information (encyclopedias, dictionaries, etc.): Research Centers/Think Tanks

Research Centers & Think Tanks

CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window Contains over 4,000 in-depth research reports from 1923 to present on the world’s most pressing issues (gay marriage, gun control, Middle East conflicts, etc.) with data, charts, and visuals.
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Amnesty International A global campaign to end grave abuses of human rights.
Brookings Institution "Functions as an independent analyst and critic, committed to publishing its findings for the information of the public." Known for its analysis of US Government and Foreign Relations.
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace "A private, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing cooperation between nations and promoting active international engagement by the United States."
Carter Center Chaired by former President Jimmy Carter. The Center is "guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering; it seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health."
Cato Institute Nonpartisan public policy research foundation headquartered in Washington, D.C. Institute describes itself as "market liberal"
Center for American Progress "An independent nonpartisan policy institute that is dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action."
Council on Foreign Relations "An independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher...to help them better understand the world and the foreign policy choices facing the United States and other countries."
Heritage Foundation Searchable database of the conservative movement.
National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) "Conducting and disseminating nonpartisan economic research"
Pew Charitable Trusts "We are driven by the power of knowledge to solve today's most challenging problems. Pew applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public, and invigorate civic life."
Pew Research Center Nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. Public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis and other data-driven social science research. "We do not take policy positions."
RAND Nonprofit institution focusing on policy problems including national defense, education, health care, and criminal justice
Urban Institute "Gathers data, conducts research, evaluates programs, offers technical assistance overseas, and educates Americans on social and economic issues."

Research Databases for Background Information

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Credo Reference This link opens in a new window Specialized reference eBooks for background information on all subjects, including audio, video, and image results.
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Britannica Academic This link opens in a new window The largest, most authoritative encyclopedia in the world, this database contains articles, maps, images, videos, and yearbooks from 1993 to present. Use it instead of Wikipedia for your research!
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CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window Contains over 4,000 in-depth research reports from 1923 to present on the world’s most pressing issues (gay marriage, gun control, Middle East conflicts, etc.) with data, charts, and visuals.
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Ebook Central (ProQuest) This link opens in a new window eBooks on a range of subjects such as business, information technology, education, engineering, health, history, humanities, life & physical sciences, and social and behavioral sciences.
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eBook Collection (EBSCOhost) This link opens in a new window Multidisciplinary eBooks representing a broad range of subjects.
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Gale eBooks This link opens in a new window More than 50 reference eBooks in business, communications, history, law, literature, medicine, nation & world, science, and technology.
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