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Welcome to the Political Science Resource Guide
This guide contains a variety of online and print resources for students and researchers in the Political Science Program. All of the resources you will need for your research are available by clicking on the tabs at the top of the page.
Suggestions and comments are welcome so that the guide can continue to grow and be a useful resource for you.
Technology and Group Space
- Laptop Lending4 hrs check-out period. Can be renewed once (probably best to renew when it gets closer to the first due back time). Check out the software list in case there are programs you only need occasionally, such as statistical analysis or media editing.
- Software ShortcutYou can also access a number of software packages remotely, independent of the operating systems you use. See the software list.
- Collaboration Space with IT/media capabilitiesDesigned for up to ten users, the twenty pods are equipped with large LCD monitors operated by laptops. Intended to stimulate interdisciplinary exchange and discovery by serendipity, the pods are ideal for groups that are happy to share their projects and discussions with other users. Individual pods can be reserved online.
Keeping Track of Your Project
- bubblConcept mapping software. Write down keywords/subject headings, names, etc. you have used in which database and when. Use the email feature to send the citation information from databases we subscribe to.
Reference Management Software
UCLA does not offer a campus wide license, but there are some free options, including:
- EndNote BasicThis is a free web-based citation manager that will help you collect and organize references and build your citations into a bibliography. Need to use proxy server to access off-campus. Access discontinues once you graduate.
A resource guide for using EndNote is available at: EndNote and EndNote Online - ZoteroA free, easy-to-use tool to help you collect, organize, cite, and share your research sources, PDFs, images, and audio and video files. See the UCLA Library's Zotero Research Guide or WI+RE's Get Started with Zotero tutorial for additional information.
Off-Campus Access
Before you get started using any of the licensed resources from this guide, be sure you have set up the BOL Proxy Server or VPN client on your laptop or home computer! This will enable you do conduct research and access full-text articles, databases, and other resources from anywhere.
- UCLA OnLine Proxy ServerA simple browser setting which will automatically divert you to a UCLA logon page when you first access a restricted site.
- UCLA Virtual Private Network (VPN)A program you install on your computer. Already built-in on most mobile devices.