Policy Databases
- Policy Commons This link opens in a new windowNU is a member of Policy Commons! Use this resource to access reports and other materials from IGOs, NGOs, think tanks, government agencies, and academic research centers. Set up an individual login to use special features like building lists or create topic alerts. TWO ADDITIONAL MODULES ARE NOW AVAILABLE: NORTH AMERICAN CITIES AND WORLD CITIES.
- PolicyFile This link opens in a new windowUse PolicyFile to locate reports from public policy think tanks, non-governmental organizations, research institutes, university centers, advocacy groups, and other entities. U.S. and international coverage. See illustrations below.
- PolicyMap This link opens in a new windowPolicyMap is a mapping tool which provides access to data on demographics; quality of life, including crime; real estate, health, and jobs for a variety of geographic areas in the U.S. See the illustrations below.
Policy Commons
Use Policy Commons to find Organizations, Publications, and Topics. REGISTER FOR A FREE ACCOUNT IF YOU WISH TO SAVE MATERIALS AND CREATE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LISTS!
Sample organization search on the topic resilience retrieves 58 groups working in this space. The dashboard at the left provides filters by organization type, date, language, countries, funding sources, organization function, and topic.
Once you've created an individual account, you'll be able to save materials to lists. Lists may be private, shared with the NU community, or shared with all Policy Commons users.
This example shows a group of Policy Commons topics being followed by a user. Weekly updates are e-mailed to the individual account holder's e-mail address (update frequency is chosen by the list owner).
PolicyFile
Use PolicyFile to locate reports from public policy think tanks, non-governmental organizations, research institutes, university centers, and advocacy groups. U.S. and international coverage. Although PolicyFile is considerably smaller than Policy Commons, it has a unique feature called "organization political leaning" which can be helpful in selecting organizations with different viewpoints. Coverage is 1990 to present.
The illustration below shows a search for organization reports on social capital. The date range indicator at the left provides a quick timeline for to assess the level of research interest and writing on the topic.
This illustration shows the "organization political leaning" feature of PolicyFile. Organization political leaning is just one of a number of filters available in the PolicyFile dashboard at the left.
PolicyMap
Drawing from a database of over 50,000 indicators, PolicyMap offers a mapping tool which supports data-enhanced decision making. U.S. coverage.
Check the Data Directory for a list of indicators available for mapping.
Need more help?
Please e-mail Roxanne Palmatier, library contact for Political Science, Security and Resilience, Security and Intelligence Studies, International Affairs, and the Policy School.