If you are just beginning your research or you simply want an overview of the UN’s role in a particular area, it may be helpful to look at more general sources before delving into specific databases and indexes. The following resources contain much valuable information, presented in user-friendly formats, on the workings of the UN and can lead to more specific areas of inquiry.
Online Resources
- United Nations website
The United Nations website provides or links to a wealth of information on the structure and purpose of the organization as well as specific areas of concern such as human rights.
- Official Website Locator for the United Nations System of Organizations
Includes an alphabetical listing of the websites of various organizations associated with the United Nations. Individual websites of the various organizations often have comprehensive information about the topics with which they are concerned as well as access to the specific organization’s publications.
- UN Press Releases and Meetings Coverage
This is an excellent resource for current information on UN activities. Includes summaries of Security Council and General Assembly meetings and statements by the secretary-general and other officials. Searchable (by keyword) database goes from 1995 to the present.
Print Resources
- Yearbook of the United Nations:
Arranged by subject and issued yearly, this is a great resource for finding out what the UN did in a given year or what it has done over many years in a specific area of research interest. It also includes references to primary documents and reprints of some full-text documents. This source is not good for current research, however, as there is a significant lag time in publication.
Call number: JX 1977 .A37 Y4 (UN section)
- Encyclopedia of the United Nations and International Agreements:
This four volume set offers a basic overview of how the UN works and many of the major issues it deals with, including entries on specific international agreements.
Call number: JX 1977 O8213 1985 (Reference section)