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Current Issues Research Guide - LSC-North Harris

Use your 14-digit library barcode number for off-campus access (the number is on the back of your student ID). Don't have an ID? Get one from the library. Distance students can fill out the online request form.

Find a Topic

For specialized research topics, consult a librarian for resources that include your subject area.

CQ Researcher

To browse subjects, click on Browse by Topic on the left side of the screen.
See video tutorial: How to Use the Database CQ Researcher

Issues and Controversies

To browse subjects, click on Access All Topics on the right side of the screen.
See video tutorial: Using Issues & Controversies

Opposing Viewpoints

All main topics can be viewed by clicking on the "Issues" tab.
See video tutorial: Opposing Viewpoints in Context

Choose Key Words

These words are the main concepts of your topic statement. Before you begin looking for information, select up to 3 key words to begin your research. To save time, generate a list of related key words to use for back up information searches.

SAMPLE TOPIC: The Problem of Binge Drinking by College Students Cannot Be Solved by Banning Alcohol Use on Campus

Example:

PRIMARY SUBJECT: binge drinking OR college students, alcohol
KEY WORDS: binge drinking, college students, ban, alcohol
RELATED WORDS: campus, hazing, fraternities

Research Databases

Separate your keywords and phrases with "and"
For example: binge drinking and college students

Academic Search Complete

Search thousands of magazines, newspapers, and journals on multiple subjects.
Video Tutorial: Using Academic Search Complete

ProQuest Newspapers

Search major national newspapers such as the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, LA Times, and the Christian Science Monitor.
Video Tutorial: Searching in ProQuest Newspapers

For additional resources see other databases found in Current Issues.

Library Catalog

Find books, e-books, DVDs, and more.

Use the Library Catalog

Enter search terms.
Browse search results and click on the title to view the detailed item record.
Scroll to the bottom for availability, collection, location, and call number.
To find the book on the shelf you will need the complete call number.
To request a book from another location, click "request first available copy" then type in your library barcode number and your PIN.

Library Catalog Video Tutorials

Searching the Catalog

Finding a Book on the Shelf

Requesting an Item

Evaluate Information

Select sources of information carefully. Can you believe everything you hear or read?

Books, television programs, Web pages, and friends don't always provide 100% factual information.

Review information sources for:

reliability
purpose
balance
currency
coverage

Use the questions provided on the Evaluating Information Checklist.

See video tutorials:

Statistics

Write Correctly

Model Essays - from the LSC-North Harris English Department

Writing Center - LSC-North Harris

Locate writing help on the Web at the following sites:

Bartleby.com Reference (includes dictionary, encyclopedia, thesauri, quotation collections, word usage, etc.)
Elements of Style (classic composition guide)
Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) (includes information on research, grammar, mechanics, style guides, and more)
Writer's Handbook - from the The University of Wisconsin-Madison Writing Center (includes grammar & style information)

MLA Format Guides

MLA Herding Cats (PDF) Sample Paper 2011 (includes in-text and works cited pages)

Citing Government Information (from LSC-North Harris)

Diana Hacker's Sample Paper (PDF) (Bedford/St. Martin's Press)

Diana Hacker's List of Works Cited (Bedford/St. Martin's Press)

MLA Style FAQ (from MLA)

Videos Tutorials

Video Introduction to MLA (LSC-North Harris Library) 7 min
MLA For Students (Salisbury University) 42 min

Search all North Harris Library research guides:

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