Searching for resources
There are two key library catalogues you may use when studying at Cambridge:
Girton Library catalogue (Heritage) – search Girton Library’s collection and see if items are available or already on loan. See our eGuide for further information.
iDiscover – to search across the University’s print and electronic collections (including books, eBooks, journals, newspapers, articles and much more, from other colleges, faculty and department libraries, and the University Library. Most, but not all, of Girton’s collection can be found here. See our Searching iDiscover eGuide for further information.
You will be able to borrow from Girton’s Library and the University Library and you may also find it helpful to visit and use the Philosophy Library (Casimir Lewy Library). However, there may be other libraries within Cambridge which stock useful resources. For a full list of the Cambridge libraries see the directory and check each library for access guidelines.
Search Spacefinder to find places of study outside of College.
Subject-specific resources
- PhilPapers A comprehensive index of philosophy books and articles.You can browse for articles by topic and build your own reading lists.
- JSTOR A large collection of ejournals, although it doesn't usually cover the last 5 years.
- Scopus The largest abstract and citation database of research literature covering arts and humanities titles (1970-). Updated daily.
- Web of Science Large interdisciplinary database. Good for multidisciplinary topics. (1975-). Updated weekly.
- Google Scholar Search engine for academic resources. If outside the University's network, click on 'Settings' then 'Library links' and add 'University of Cambridge' to easily access Cambridge eresources
- Project Muse An online database of peer-reviewed academic journals and electronic books.
Encyclopedia
- Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy The perfect starting point for research, or to quickly gain understanding of a new topic.
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy High quality and extensive articles with useful bibliographies.
- Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy Free peer reviewed encyclopedia.
- Oxford Bibliographies: Philosophy Guide to useful books and articles on philosophical topics.
- Oxford Reference Online: Includes the Oxford Companion to Philosophy and Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy
- International Encyclopedia of Ethics: Comprehensive reference work incorporating metaethics, practical ethics and normative ethics
Finding Podcasts and Videos
- Philosophy Bites (also on iTunes) David Edond and Nigel Warburton give short interviews with philosophers on various topics.
- History of Philosophy without Any Gaps (also on iTunes). Peter Adamson's podcasts covering classical, Islamic, Jewish, and medieval history.
- Wi-Phi Accessible video introductions to philosophy
- IaI TV Free collection of debates and talks including some on philosophy
- Philosophy TV Videos of debates between leading philosophers
- In Our Time: Philosophy - Recordings of the philosophy discussion programme on BBC Radio 4
- TED talks (also on iTunes) A collection of TED talks on philosophical topics
Help within college
Library staff can provide support and assistance. You can book an appointment with us or ask a question via library@girton.cam.ac.uk.