Anthropology

Finding published ethnographies can be challenging in a library catalog. Not all ethnographies will include the word "ethnography" in the title, and you often need to look closely at the research methods section to determine if it is what you need.

Even if you can find a book on a group of people, it may not be an ethnography. These are a few strategies you can use.

Strategy 1: "Social Life and Customs" Phrase + Group

Each book we've cataloged in Search.Libraries will receive specific subject headings (or tags). Ethnographies will often have the subject Social Life and Customs. You could use this phrase in a keyword search, along with a specific group.

For example, you could search: "Social life and customs" AND Quechua (search results)

An important caution: Not all books with this subject will be an ethnography. You need to check the research method section to determine what method the authors employed. Reviews of the book can sometimes be helpful if it's unclear from the book itself.

Strategy 2: Specific Topic + Group

Some published ethnographies will focus on specific topics, such as child rearing, manners and customs, rites and ceremonies, social life, or religion. Searching Search.Libraries for a group and a specific topic is another way to identify potential ethnographies.

For example, you could search:

• "rites and ceremonies" AND Quechua (search results)
• "social life" AND Inuit (search results)