Library Research Resources on Middle Eastern and African Cultures: Open Access and Beyond: Home
Welcome to the Middle Eastern and African Cultures Guide! What is in this guide?
Educators and scholars researching the African continent will find a range of resources here, including subtopics such as politics, history, culture, and economics. The content highlights books, special collections, and online materials relevant to African Studies, including ebooks, ejournals, databases, and archives.
While not exhaustive, the resources presented offer strong starting points for research. Many of them are open access, meaning no UNC library borrower’s card or university affiliation is required. For those interested in exploring the full range of library offerings, guidance is also provided on how to search the catalog and access subscription databases.
Additional information is available on how to access library collections and purchase a borrower’s card if needed. If you have any questions or encounter difficulties accessing materials, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help.
Narrative matters
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Why change the way we write about Africa?Teaching and talking about Africa in an inclusive, accurate, and engaging way involves moving beyond stereotypes and embracing the continent’s complexity, diversity, and global significance. This guide from Africanofilter.org is part of their ongoing mission to challenge and transform harmful, stereotypical narratives about and within Africa.
Searching for Sources Effectively
Follow the Bibliographic Trail: One proven method for gathering reliable information efficiently is to follow the citations or references from one source to another. The author's bibliography can lead you to other sources on the topic.
Identify Keywords: Before searching the Library Catalog or other databases, take a few minutes to write down all the words that describe your topic. Use these words in keyword or Boolean searches.
Subject Headings: If you find an interesting title in the Library Catalog, open the record and scroll down to alternate Subject Headings. Click on the link and it will take you to additional materials in the Library Catalog with the same subject/topic.
Search Strategy Worksheet from Humboldt State University
Relevant centers on UNC's campus
The African Studies Center and the Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies serve as a dynamic hub for interdisciplinary inquiry and dialogue on Africa at UNC. They support scholars, students, educators, and the broader North Carolina community by sponsoring a wide range of events and fostering collaboration among faculty and students across numerous academic disciplines.
Each center also offers a wide range of resources for educators, including professional development opportunities, curriculum materials, and classroom tools designed to support teaching about Africa and the Middle East across grade levels and disciplines.
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