How to quickly get to know a new topic

Working on a new topic? In need of a definition or explanation of a concept?

Try using an encyclopedia to gain a general understanding of a topic, and identify key terms and concepts. Encyclopedias contain articles that provide broad overviews of a topic, summarizing key concepts, historical background, and current research.

About International Encyclopedia of Social and Behavioral Sciences

The International Encyclopedia of Social and Behavioral Sciences is a comprehensive and authoritative reference work. It provides interdisciplinary knowledge across a wide range of behavioural and social science fields and also discusses the history, current trends and future directions.

With around 4,000 articles written by leading experts from around the world, this encyclopedia provides you with access to up-to-date and detailed information on various disciplines, including, economics, gender, management, psychology, sociology, and more. It also includes indexes of names and subjects.

The encyclopedia used to consist of 25 volumes of physical books. The online availability makes it even more useful in the process of getting to know a new area of research.

You can read the articles online or download them as pdf. Suggestions for similar topics are provided as well as reference lists.

Fun fact: The encyclopedia was the most clicked e-book at CBS Library in 2022 with a whooping 18,000 clicks.
 

Access encyclopedias

There is access to a number of encyclopedias via the library's overview of databases. As a student or employee at CBS, you have access to them regardless of where you are.

Explore the International Encyclopedia of Social and Behavioural Sciences 
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