Westfield State College Ely Library

Women's Studies: Subject Related Reference Sources
See Women's Studies:  General Reference Sources for more information.
See also:  Databases by Subject      Web Resources
The purpose of this guide is to lead the beginning researcher to specific Reference sources related to women in various subject areas. Many sources in each area that cover both genders are not included.  Browse the shelves around anything you find from the list below, and consult with a Reference Librarian for additional suggestions.
Art & Music English & Literature Psychology
Communication Movement Science Other Topics (Religion & Lesbian Studies)
Criminal Justice Political Science Databases
Web Sites
For related Subject Research Guides see: Sociology; Psychology; History; Education; Criminal Justice
Art & Music
Art:
Women artists in history : from antiquity to the present. By Wendy Slatkin. Upper Saddle River, N.J. : Prentice Hall, c1997.
  (REF N43 .S57 1997)
This excellent book covers far more than a list of names and short biographies.  It presents commentary on periods of history and the role women played in artistic images from prehistory to today.  Comparisons of works on the same topic by men and woman serve to illustrate points made by the author.

Women Artists in the United States : a selective bibliography and resource guide on the fine and decorative arts, 1750-1986.  Ed. by Paula Chiarmonte. Boston, Mass. : G.K. Hall, 1990.    (REF N6536. W65 1990)

Music:
Women in American Music : a bibliography of music and literature.  Ed. & comp. by Adrienne Fried Block and Carol Neuls-Bates. Westport, Conn. : Greenwood Press, 1979.     (REF ML128.W7 B6)
This index covers books, journal articles, dissertations, and scores on all areas of women in the field of "art music" (as opposed to "popular music") including composers, performers, patrons and educators from colonial times to 1978.

Women Composers, Conductors, and Musicians of the Twentieth Century : selected biographies. By Jane Weiner LePage. Metuchen, N.J. : Scarecrow Press, 1980-<1983   >     (REF ML82 .L46)
In three volumes, lengthy biographical sketches with discussion of the subjects' work are concluded by lists of their works. In the second & third volumes, discographies of performances or compositions of the women covered are included.

International Encyclopedia of Women Composers (2nd ed.). Compiled by Aaron I. Cohen. New York : Books & Music (USA), c1987.    (REF ML105 .C7 1987)
These two volumes provide lists of compositions by type (e.g. orchestra, chamber, vocal), publications, and a biography of works about the featured person.  This is a more complete coverage than the works listed above, but there is little commentary.  Of particular interest is a section at the beginning of "Notable Facts."
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Communication
The Encyclopedia of Women in Radio, 1920-1960.  By Leora M. Sies and Luther F. Sies.  Jefferson, N.C. : McFarland & Co., 2003.
    (REF PN1991.8.W65 E53 2003)

Reel Women:  pioneers of the cinema 1896 to the present. By Ally Acker.  New York:  Continuum.  1991.
   (REF PN1998.2 A24 1991)
Even though the "present" referred to in the title was 10 years ago, this volume contains an introductory article on "the feminization of filmmaking," entries on women directors, actors, women of color, producers, writers, editors, animators, stunt women, as well as a section on select foreign women involved with film.  Films related to each entry are listed, and an index makes it easy to find information if an appropriate heading is unknown.

Role Portrayal and Stereotyping on Television : an annotated bibliography of studies relating to women, minorities, aging, sexual behavior, health, and handicaps. Ed. Nancy Signorielli et al.; research sponsored by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Westport, Conn. : Greenwood Press, 1985.      (REF PN1992.6 .S53 1985)

Criminal Justice
Encyclopedia of Women and Crime. Ed. by Nicole Hahn Rafter.  Phoenix, Ariz. : Oryx Press, 2000.    (REF  HV6046 .E56 2000)

Encyclopedia of Crime and Justice. Ed. by Sanford H. Kadish. New York : Free Press, 1983.     (REF HV6017 .E52)
Several articles in this set cover issues in women's studies related to crime. Try "family relationships & crime," "women and crime," "violence in the family," or "rape:  behavioral (or legal) aspects," as well as specific crime topics. The last volume includes a thorough index for access to topics within the assigned headings.

Violence in America. ed. by Ronald Gottesman. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1999.     (REF HN 90 .V5 V5474 1999)
In three volumes, interdisciplinary topics having to do with violence to people, animals, and the environment are covered.  Articles include information on violence against, between, and by women; women in gangs; victimization of women; and more.  Entries seek to explore explanations behind violence, manifestations of violence, representations of violence, and responses to violence.
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English & Literature
The Feminist Companion to Literature in English : women writers from the Middle Ages to the present.  By Virginia Blain, Patricia Clements, Isobel Grundy. New Haven : Yale University Press, 1990.
   (REF PR111 .B57 1990)       Here find brief biographical entries on women authors in all genres including poets and playwrights.  All nationalities writing in the english language are included.

American Women Writers : a critical reference guide from colonial times to the present.  Ed. by Lina Mainiero. New York : Ungar, c1979-1994.    (REF  PS147 .A4)
Writers included in this set are "writers of reputation," "popular writers in a representative selection," "nontraditional writers," "children's writers," and authors widely read in other fields (e.g. Ruth Benedict and Rachel Carson).  Signed articles are several pages and include a list of works and sources.

An Encyclopedia of British Women Writers.  Ed. by paul Schlueter and June Schlueter.  New York:  Garland Publishing, Inc.    (REF PR111 E54 1998)   Entries vary in length but average two pages.  Included are lists of biographical information, a brief review of major works, a list of works by the author, and sources used.

Encyclopedia of Feminist Literature. Kathy J. Whitson. Westport, Conn. : Greenwood Press, 2004.
    (REF PN471 .W455 2004)

Contemporary Lesbian Writers of the United States:  a bio-bibliographical critical sourcebook.  Ed. by Sandra Pollack and Denise D. Knight.  Westport, CT:  Greenwood Press, 1993.      (REF PS153 L46 C65 1993)
Substantial essays on lesbian authors include biographical material, reviews of major works, themes and critical reception, as well as lists of honors and awards.  Each essay includes a bibliography of works by the author and of criticism of the author's works.

The Feminist Encyclopedia of Spanish Literature.  Ed. by Janet Perez and Maureen Ihrie.  Westport, CT:  Greenwood Press, 2002.  (REF PQ6055 F46 2002)        This two volume set covers Spanish women authors, Spanish women historical and cultural figures, feminists and defenders of women's rights (including some men), as well as articles on Spanish feminist issues and conditions of Spanish women. Articles include lists of materials "by" and "about" the featured person.

Dictionary of Literary Biography.  (REF PS129 D5)
Use the Gale Literary Index to locate specific women authors who will be found throughout the series.

Movement Science
Encyclopedia of Women and Sport in America.  Ed. by Carole A. Oglesby. Phoenix : Oryx Press, 1998.
  (REF  GV709 .E53 1998)
Arranged alphabetically by entry, this volume includes biographical sketches of women involved in sport in the United States as well as other issues surrounding women and sport in the U.S.  Includes suggested readings, a brief bibliography and an index.

The Women's Sports Encyclopedia.  Ed. by Robert Markel. New York : H. Holt, 1997.       (REF  GV709 .W589 1997)
Arranged by type of sport this volume includes brief biographical information as well as competitions and awards (and who won them in what year).  Also includes firsts in the world of women’s sports and an index.
 
Psychology

Psychology of Women : a handbook of issues and theories. ed. by Florence L. Denmark and Michele A. Paludi; Foreword by Leonore Loeb Adler. Westport, Conn. : Greenwood Press, 1993.
    (REF HQ1206 P.747 1993)

The Harvard Guide to Women's HealthKaren J. Carlson, Stephanie A Eisenstat, and Terra Ziporyn. Cambridge, Mass. : Harvard University Press, 1996.      (REF RA778 .C2163 1996)
This volume contains articles on all topics affecting women such as anorexia nervosa, stress, weight, and fitness, as well as information within articles on issues such as the psychological effects of rape. The table of contents is alphabetically organized by topic, but use the index for best access.

Handbook on Women and Aging. Ed. by Jean M. Coyle. Westport, Conn. : Greenwood Press, 1997.     (REF HQ1059.5.U5 H36 1997)
This volume is divided into chapters on historical & theoretical perspectives; health, psychology & living issues; racial, ethnic, and demographic issues; and relationships. Includes bibliographical references and index.
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Political Science 

Encyclopedia of Women in American Politics. Ed. by Jeffrey D. Schultz and Laura van Assendelft. Phoenix, Ariz. : Oryx Press, 1999.   (REF  HQ1236.5.U6 E53 1999)
This alphabetically organized guide provides information on women in U.S. politics, but also includes the text of specific speeches and documents created by or affecting women in this country; statistical tables relating to politics; and a timeline of political events.

Women and Political Participation : a reference handbook.  Barbara Burrell.  Santa Barbara, Calif. : ABC-CLIO, c2004.
    (REF HQ1236.5.U6 B875 2004)

Other Topics

Non-European Cultures:
Encyclopedia of Women & Islamic Cultures, Volume II : family, law and politics. Ed. by Suad Joseph.  Leiden ; Boston, Mass. : Brill, 2005.    (REF HQ1170 .E532 2005)

Religion:
Encyclopedia of American Women and Religion.  Ed. by June Melby Benowitz.  Santa Barbara, Calif. : ABC-CLIO, c1998.    (REF  BL2525 .B45 1998)
Here find information on individual women, topics such as Abortion and Black Women in church & society, associations, events, and even an occasional man.  There is some information on non Christian religions as well.  This is a great book to browse through.

Encyclopedia of Women and World Religion.  Ed. by Serinity Young.  New York : Macmillan Reference USA, c1999.
    (REF   BL458 .E53 1999)
This reference work presents articles on "women's history and experience in world religion from the beginning of time to the present."  Substantial signed articles cover topics such as Caribbean Religions, Contraception, Dance and Drama, Emotion, Hinduism, Humor, and much more.  Each entry includes a bibliography of sources for further reading.

Gay and Lesbian Studies:
Lesbian Histories and Cultures : an encyclopedia.  Ed. by Bonnie Zimmerman. New York : Garland Pub., 2000.
   REF (HQ75.5 .L4395 2000)
Here find thorough coverage of "the complex history and wide cultural diversity of lesbian...life."  Being separate from its companion volume Gay Histories, this volume demonstrates that "the difference of gender has always been significant in the conceptualization and experiences of lesbianism and male homosexuality and in the experiences of individuals and communities."  See also:  Encyclopedia of Homosexuality.  Ed. by Wayne Dynes. New York : Garland Pub., 1990.    (REF HQ76.25 .E53 1990)
 
 
 

Databases: Indexes, Abstracts, and Bibliographies
Use to locate journal articles as well as published and unpublished research.
Contemporary Women's Issues
    (Internet Site: http://www.lib.wsc.ma.edu/dbalpha.htm#Contemporary Women's)
This full text database provides access to global information on women in over 150 countries covering critical issues and events that influence women’s lives. It includes full text for mainstream and alternative press periodicals and other sources.  Focuses on issues including health, human rights, the work place, legal status, and more.

Ely Library Catalog. For books, audio-visual materials, etc. in the Ely Library
    (Internet Site: http://catalog.lib.wsc.ma.edu/)
The following is an example of subject headings relevant to women's studies for use in the Ely Library Catalog. Do not limit yourself to this list! Use the Library of Congress Subject Headings (Big Red Books) located by the card catalog for more possibilities—or browse the online catalog for ideas. See Database Searching Guides for more help.

African American Women Feminism Latin American Literature Women Authors Women Authors
Caribbean Fiction-Women Authors  Hispanic American Women Lesbians Women in Politics 
Family  Indian Women Mothers Women United States History

See also Subject Specific DatabasesFor online guides to any database, see Database Searching Guides.
Sociological Abstracts (CSA)   Limited to WSC community
    (Internet Site: http://www.lib.wsc.ma.edu/dbalpha.htm#Sociofile)
Specific to all areas of sociology and social work including issues related to Women's Studies. Abstracts journal articles and books.

Social Work Abstracts Plus     Limited to WSC community
    (Internet Site: http://www.lib.wsc.ma.edu/dbalpha.htm#Social Work)
Covers all aspects of social work and human services from 1977 to present.  See also Social Service Abstracts.

Criminal Justice Abstracts     Limited to WSC community
    (Internet Site:  http://www.lib.wsc.ma.edu/dbalpha.htm#Criminal Justice Abstracts)
Specific to all areas of criminal justice including crime against women, women criminals, and women in the CJ profession.

PsycInfo   Limited to WSC community
    (Internet Site: http://www.lib.wsc.ma.edu/dbalpha.htm#PsycLit)
Covers all aspects of the psychology of women. It indexes materials in English and other languages from scholarly journals and books in the field. Abstracts are included.

History Resource Center   Limited to WSC community use
     (Internet Site: http://www.lib.wsc.ma.edu/dbalpha.htm#History Resource)
This database provides references to articles and some primary sources with a historical perspective of women in the United States.

ERIC (1966- ) SilverPlatter Version   Limited to WSC community
    (Internet Site: http://www.lib.wsc.ma.edu/dbalpha.htm#ERIC)
Subject Specific to all areas of Education and Instruction including gender issues.  Abstracts journal articles and other documents.

Web Sites
Women's Studies WWW Resources
    (Internet Site:  http://www.lib.wsc.ma.edu/women.htm)

WWW Resources by Subject  (Ely Library at Westfield State College)
    (Internet Site: http://www.lib.wsc.ma.edu/wwwres.htm)
These links include categories for Sociology, Psychology, History, Political Science, Education Web sources and more.
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Page maintained by Corinne Ebbs
Last update April 9, 2007