Help Menu
- Library Catalog This link opens in a new windowSearch our library catalog (aka OneSearch) for all types of sources. It combines results from many of our databases. (Ex Libris)
- OneSearch This link opens in a new windowUse this discovery tool to search most of the University Libraries' collections, including books, journal articles, newspapers, dissertations, music, and video recordings. (Ex Libris)
Retirement Statistics
- Employee Benefit Research InstituteProvides statistics and reports on employee compensation in the US.
- Compensation Statistics & Reports by the BLSProvides reports regarding national, state and local retirement systems, 401(k), retirement savings and compensation from previous eras.
- SSA Statistics & Policy AnalysisFind annual statistics, quick facts and global comparisons of the US retirement system.
Financial State of Retirement
- SSA Board of Trustees ReportsProvides reports on the financial status of Social Security from 1997 to 2009.
- SSA Budget, Performance & Financial ReportsFind annual and snapshot reports on the performance and financial strength of the Social Security program.
- The Housing Bubble and Retirement SecurityWorking Paper focusing on the effects of the housing bubble on retirement savings in the US, by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College,
Entitlement Research Organizations
- Boettner Center for Pensions & Retirement ResearchRead working papers researching the state of pensions and 401(k) plans for retirement. Requires you create an account to access to papers.
- University of Michigan Retirement Research CenterProvides research on demographics affecting Social Security, Social Security impact on individuals and analysis of proposed reforms to Social Security.
Lobbying Groups
- AARP Public Policy Institute - Economic SecurityProvides news, analysis, and stances of polices affecting those heading towards retirement. AARP is a membership organization of Americans 50 or older and lobbies Congress to support the needs of its members close, or in, to retirement.
- American Benefits CouncilProvides information on activities in Congress regarding retirement benefits as well as the Council's stance of these activities towards reform. The American Benefits Council lobbies for legislative support of volunteer employer provided employee benefits.
- US Chamber of Commerce - Pension & Retirement IssuesFind information on Social Security and pensions, including the strategic vision of US Chamber of Commerce regarding retirement. The US Chamber of Commerce lobbies Congress on behalf of its members who are individual businesses.
Overview Resources on Social Security, Pensions & 401(k)s
- UR CatalogFind books and government information on retirement, Social Security, 401(k)s, pensions and the concepts of social welfare.
- PBS Newshour - Social Security ReformProvides history of Social Security, coverage of the discussions for reform and includes debates of specific solutions of the Social Security crunch.
- NY Times - Retirement articlesLists NY Times articles on retirement issues.
- Washington Post - Retirement articlesLists Washington Post articles on retirement.
- PAIS Index This link opens in a new windowSearch for journal articles, reports, and grey literature on topics related to the world's public affairs, public and social policies, international relations, and world politics. "PAIS" stands for "Public Affairs Information Service," and the content dates from the early 1900s-present. (ProQuest)
- National Journal Group's Policy Central This link opens in a new windowAccess in-depth analysis of US politics, government policy, the economy, and campaigns. This database includes publications such as The National Journal, The Hotline, and the Almanac of American Politics. It also includes polls of the public and political insiders. (National Journal Group)
- CQ Magazine This link opens in a new windowAccess articles from a magazine that delivers nonpartisan news and analysis on the work of Congress. This database contains content from 1983-present. (Sage)
Government Information on Social Security & Pensions
- White House - Seniors & Social Security PolicyWhitehouse.gov coverage of the Obama Administration policies and speeches regarding Social Security
- House Committee on Ways & Means - Subcommittee on Social SecurityHearings of the subcommittee in the House focused on Social Security policies and funds.
- Senate Committee on Finance - Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions & Family PoliciesHearings to all of the Committee of Finance and Subcommittees.
- Social Security Reform: Answers to Key Questions (GAO)This GAO report provides explanations for why Social Security reform is needed, suggested options for reforming Social Security and the implications of reform.
- Government Accountability Office - GAOThe GAO is the investigative arm of the US Congress, developing reports for Congress on the effectiveness, accountability and efficiency of the government.
Organizations Proposing Changes to Retirement Systems
- Economic Policy Institute (EPI) - RetirementFind information on EPI's research on retirement as well as the think tank's suggested solution. EPI is a think tank focusing on low-income and middle-class workers, considered left of center.
- Cato Institute - Project on Social Security ChoiceProvides analysis of retirement, specifically Social Security, as well as suggested Social Security reform. Cato Institute is a libertarian organization, focusing on limited government, and is considered right of center.
- Concord Coalition - Social SecurityFind charts, issue briefs and suggestions for Social Security reform. The Concord Coalition focuses on advocating responsible fiscal policy while maintaining entitlement programs, considered moderate to left of center.
- Brookings Institution - Social SecurityFind analysis and commentary on the current state of retirement for Americans as well as proposed solutions for Social Security. Brookings is generally considered left of center.
- American Enterprise Institute - Retirement & Social Security IssuesProvides research and suggested reforms to the various retirement systems in the US. AEI focuses on free enterprise solutions, and is considered right of center.
- The Century Foundation - Strengthening Social SecurityIncludes research, debates regarding retirement savings as well as recommendations for reform. The Century Foundation is considered moderate to left of center.
- Pension Rights CenterProvides research, statistics and policy reform recommendations. Focuses on advocating for employee retirement security, and considered left of center.
- Center on Budget & Policy Priorities - Social SecurityFind information on the financial status of Social Security, its effect of poverty levels for seniors and suggestions for reform. The Center on Budget & Policy Priorities focuses on the needs of low-income Americans, considered left of center.
- Heritage Foundation - Entitlements Policy & ResearchProvides research and suggested reform regarding Social Security. The Heritage Foundation focuses on conservative public policies and is considered right of center.
- AFL-CIO - Retirement SecurityFind analysis of proposed reforms and those supported by the AFL-CIO. This organization is a federation of national and international labor unions, focusing on worker rights, considered left of center.
Previous Administration Policies
- Strengthening Social Security - 2005George W Bush Administration website regarding Social Security policy, speeches and documents
- Strengthening Social Security for Future GenerationsGeorge W Bush Administration White House website page regarding Social Security reform focusing on young workers.
Social Sciences & Humanities Librarian
Carol Wittig
Contact:
Rm. 119 Refectory (**during Boatwright Library renovation May 2025-August 2026**)
261 Richmond Way
Richmond, VA 23173
261 Richmond Way
Richmond, VA 23173
804.289.8459
Website