The stream of documents the United Nations produces can be overwhelming, especially for those new to the organization. This class provides an introduction to UN documents and the related online research tools. Starting with an overview of the types of documents produced by the principal organs, the course will move on to a comparison of the available databases. Participants will have hands-on practice in searching the Official Document System, UNBISnet (the library catalogue), and the UN-I-Que database. This three hour course is designed for individuals who are familiar with internet-based resources, but who do not have extensive experience with UN documents.
Forthcoming date:
- Please contact Library for schedule
An on-site (in Room DN-2436) introduction to the resources contained in the Map Collection: sheet maps (including road maps), atlases, travel guides, gazetteers. Guidance and assistance is also provided for finding geographical information and maps on the Internet, including the UN Cartographic website.
Offered monthly from 3:00-4:30 PM on the last Tuesday and Thursday of the month.
Get more out of Google (or your personal favorite search engine). Finding information challenges even the most seasoned researcher. Learn search skills and techniques to ensure you use your favorite search engine to its fullest. This 90 minute seminar introduces techniques and shortcuts for effective internet searching.
Forthcoming date:
- Please contact Library for schedule
Treaties can be extremely difficult to locate. This course will examine the methods and resources used to track down international agreements. Some experience with internet searching will be helpful as the course will focus on electronic sources.
Forthcoming date:
- Please contact Library for schedule
This 2 hour session will be based on using the Advanced search features of the ODS. The class will take a detailed look at each of the search criteria and databases available. Participants will have hands-on practice in combining search options to limit or refine searches and doing full-text searching using either a pre-set search type or search expressions using Boolean operators.
Prerequisite
Must have some basic knowledge of using ODS and working with UN documents.
Forthcoming date:
- Please contact Library for schedule
Personal Knowledge Management coaches work with individuals to demonstrate how to find information efficiently and effectively. Coaches come to your office; sessions last less than one hour and are targeted to meet individual needs. This service is offered only to Delegates and staff of Permanent Missions and to staff of the Secretariat.
Coaching is offered in:
- How to find UN Documents
- Internet search techniques
- Information organization
- Personalized electronic delivery of news and Web content
Contact us to arrange a session:
Special custom training courses may be arranged for small groups at Permanent Missions or Secretariat departments. Examples of past courses include in-depth training in:
- Official Document System (ODS)
- UNBISnet (the library catalogue)
- UN-I-Que
- Finding Academic Articles
- Subscription databases, such as EIU, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, and HeinOnline
- Internet search techniques
- Particular kinds of UN information, such as a workshop for the Commission for Sustainable Development, and workshops on General Assembly and Security Council Documentation.
We also offer special, targeted sessions of the Introduction to UN documents for small groups at a Permanent Mission or a Secretariat department.
Please contact us if you are interested in custom training opportunities:
Help with
your research needs is always just a telephone call or e-mail request
away:
- E-mail reference
- Economic and Social Affairs Library: 212 963-8727, Room DC2-1142
- Legal Library: 212-963-5372, Room S-3455
- Map Library: 212-963-7425, Room DN-2436
- Reference Service Unit: 212-963-7412, Room L-105
Introduction to UN documents