How to do research in Anthropology

Library resources for researchers working on Social Anthropology, Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, and Linguistic Anthropology

START WITH GOOD KEYWORDS

Topic-specific keywords will help improve your results in a general multidisciplinary database like Google, Google Scholar, HOLLIS, or Academic Search Premier. 

Add keywords like these to your search:

  • Ethnographic, ethnography
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology 
  • Combine with subject or region - anthropology AND education, archaeology AND Ireland

UPGRADE YOUR SEARCH: KEY DATABASES

The best tool for your project may be a specialized search engine, also known as a database. These databases are subject-specific or format-specific search tools:

Anthropology Plus (via HarvardKey) --  The top database for scholarship in this field, with content from the 18th century to present day. 

Anthro Source (via HarvardKey) -- The best place to search publications from the American Anthropological Association (one of the major associations in this field). 

Dig Deeper

The Harvard Library Anthropology Research Guide provides further resources and tools on this topic.

Databases for Anthropology and Archaeology - explore the full list of Harvard Library databases in this subject category.

CONNECT WITH US 

Susan Gilman, the library liaison for Anthropology, is available to support researchers via email or in-person consultation.

Featured Collection

Harvard’s Tozzer Library offers anthropology and archaeology collections that are some of the most comprehensive in the world.

Service Alert:
  • Some Harvard Library locations will be closed or have special hours for Commencement, Thursday, May 26. Please check the Library Hours page for specifics. Ask a Librarian and chat hours will remain as usual.
  • Most Harvard Library locations will be closed Monday, May 30 and Tuesday, May 31, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Ask a Librarian and chat service will be closed on these dates.
  • If you're experiencing an ongoing technical issue when you attempt to access library materials with your HarvardKey during these times, please report it to Library Technology Services.

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