Library Catalog

Finding Library Materials

The UMass Library Catalog is often the most appropriate place to begin your research. It enables you to search for materials in many different ways (e.g., author, title, subject, keyword, call number, journal title, etc.). When looking for materials on a subject, one useful way to begin is to identify subject headings. The red, multi-volume Library of Congress Subject Headings (Z695.L695+), located on the counter behind the Reference Desk, lists all of the possible subject headings.

Subject Headings

Public policy is a major subject heading, but it's very broad.  It would be better to use a narrower subject heading, e.g. Public Policy-United States-Legislation. You may use the subdivision, government policy under other subject headings, e.g. Conservation of Natural Resources- Government Policy. Public Administation is a subject heading, but note that there are 30 related subject headings that you might choose as well. In any event, it's usually best to enter a more specific term.

Here are a few examples of terms that may give you ideas on how to narrow your focus:

Older People Government Policy

Economic Policy

Family Policy

Labor Policy

To find works on the public policy, administration and related topics of particular countries, regions, cities, etc., enter the subject heading subdivided by the geographical entity. For example:

Medical Policy-Massachusetts

Environmental Policy-New England

Political Planning-United States

Other sources of books include:

• Net Library - online books
• WorldCat and Other Library Catalogs for searching other catalogs if you don't find books in the Five College Catalog.
• Borrow books from the Virtual Catalog and Interlibrary Loan.

If you have questions at any time, please ask a member of the reference staff. We are here to help you.