Need some help deciphering it all? Try some of these key reference books.
A dictionary of sociology Gordon Marshall, ed. A compact, contemporary work intended for those relatively new to the discipline. A useful tool to help you make sense of those lectures.
Encyclopedia of sociology, Edgar F. Borgatta and Rhonda J.V. Montgomery, eds. Published in 2000, this five volume set presents essays on contemporary concerns with suggested further readings including internet links and email listservs.
The Europa world year book This is a large work that includes comprehensive country profiles, listing information for each country as diverse as news agencies to registered banks to trade unions. Auckland City Library’s holds old copies back to 1961.
International encyclopedia of the social sciences Although this is an older work, published in 1968, it offers a useful starting point for key areas of concern in sociology. The entries cover major areas of study and biographical profiles of key social scientists. Bibliographies are included at the end of each entry to guide you to further relevant reading.
The Statesman's year-book Auckland City Library’s holds old copies of this annual publication back to 1864. The content of the works covers a statistical overview of nations and information on international organisations – function, history, organisation. The organisations profiled range from United Nation’s departments to the World Trade Organisation and Amnesty International.
Survey of social science. Sociology series. Frank N. Magill and Hector L. Delgado, eds. Spanning five volumes, this collection offers essays on key themes and concepts in sociology. Each essay is divided into three sections, ‘overview’, ‘applications’ and ‘context’. An annotated bibliography also accompanies each entry to support non-specialists in their research.
The world guide An alternative reference to the countries of our planet offering essays on key global environmental, social, technological and economic themes. Essays in the current edition include topics such as rights for indigenous people, water supply and globalisation.
Worldmark encyclopedia of cultures and daily life Timothy L. Gall, ed. This work is divided by geographical areas, with volume three of the set – Asia and Oceania – being the largest. A brief outline of cultures from around the globe is offered, using categories such as language, cultural heritage and social problems. | 
