Social Studies / Geography

Many of our database resources listed here have information relevant to social studies or geography topics, and they include primary and secondary source material, magazine and newspaper articles and critical essays.  We have also included selected websites which have more specific information.

Please note: links with a lock icon next to them () are to databases that any of our library members can use – you will be asked to type in your library barcode and PIN - if you don't know your PIN just Ask Us!

•  World Book - excellent general knowledge starting point, current affairs, good illustrations, maps, etc.
•  EBSCO general news and magazines - thousands of full-text newspapers and general/specialist magazine articles, including many NZ and Australian
•  Encyclopedia Britannica Online - 32 volume encyclopedia includes junior and student editions
•  Opposing Viewpoints in Context - facts and arguments for both sides of controversial issues
•  Gale History Behind the Headlines - origins of conflicts worldwide
•  Student Resources in Context - click on Geography button for topics
• BBC Schools Geography - includes physical geography, population and tourism
• The 1960s - our Hot Topic page with books, web links and database resources.

Countries

• The World Factbook - up-to-date information on all countries
• BBC Country Profiles - guide to history, politics and economics of countries, territories and key international organisations.

New Zealand

• Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand - a comprehensive guide to our peoples, natural environment, history, culture, economy and society
• About New Zealand  - NZ government website
• Department of Conservation - flora and fauna of NZ
• Statistics New Zealand - includes economic, environmental, fiscal, population and social statistics
• Environment Canterbury Regional Council website
• Landcare research - animal and plant pests, native plants
• NIWA Science  - info on NZ water and ocean environments, weather and climate, natural hazards, atmosphere and climate change
• Starfish  - NZ Ministry of Fisheries resource for students and teachers. Includes history, current fishing methods and marketing, fish identification - check out the fact sheets
• Waimakariri District Council website.

Pacific Islands

• Te Puna Web Directory - a directory to New Zealand and Pacific Island websites, from the National Library
• Pacific Islands and other Indigenous Peoples - from the University of Waikato.