Library Research Guides: WRIT 144: What's in a Name?: Research Orgs & Think Tanks

What is a Think Tank?

"[Think tanks are] organizations that generate policy-oriented research, analysis, and advice on domestic and international issues that enable policymakers and the public to make informed decisions about public policy issues. Think tanks may be affiliated with political parties, governments, interest groups, or private corporations or constituted as independent nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)."

-Global Go To Think Tank Index, "Defining and Evaluating Think Tanks"

Public Policy and NGOs

Policy File Index This link opens in a new window
Covers a wide range of public policy topics, linking to reports and papers from think tanks, NGOs, and research organizations, 1990 to present.
PAIS Index - Public Affairs Information Service This link opens in a new window
Articles chronicling the world's public affairs, public and social policies, international relations, and world politics, 1915 to present, including policy-oriented literature of subjects such as economics, finance, law, education, the military, political science, public administration, international law and relations, the environment, demography, public health, science and technology, and reports and commentary on public affairs from the serious general press.

Think Tank Search
Think Tank Search searches the websites of institutions that generate public policy research, analysis, and activity. These sites are affiliated with universities, governments, advocacy groups, foundations, non-governmental organizations, and businesses.
Pew Research Center
Public opinion polling, demographic research, and media content analysis in a number of areas, including U.S. Politics and Journalism & Media.
Amnesty International
Human Rights Watch
PeaceWomen
UN Women