Current Issues
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Use the Library Catalog to locate books and periodicals on your topic.
FINDING JOURNAL ARTICLES USING ONLINE DATABASES:
From the Library Website, choose Article Databases from the Find box; then, choose Subject List; then, choose Social Issues & Opinions. If you are accessing the databases from home, use the barcode number on the back of your college ID to log in.
Provides articles, often full-text, from journals, magazines, newspapers. Articles can be printed, downloaded, or e-mailed.
Provides in-depth articles on a wide variety of current topics. Articles include pro and con viewpoints, background information, chronology, statistics, and references.
Issues & Controversies on File
Provides in-depth articles on a variety of current topics. Articles include an overview of the topic, discussing both sides, references, key words and points.
Provides articles, either pro or con, on a variety of current topics. Also provides a list of topics.
SEARCH THE INTERNET:
Best Information on the Net – Hot Paper Topics
Digital Librarian: a librarian’s choice of the best of the Web
Project Vote Smart (links to various Issue Organizations)
Congressional Research Service [CRS] Reports
FINDING A TOPIC:
Social Issues in America: an Encyclopedia – HN57 .S624 2006 v1-8
At the front of each volume is a Topic Finder containing a list of contemporary social issues divided into groups (Civil Rights, Education, Environment, Media Issues, etc.). Each of the listed contemporary issues is discussed within the 8 volumes. Entries include References and suggested web sites for further study of the topic. Also, the Cross Reference Index will aid in narrowing or broadening your topic.
Databases:
Several online databases have good topic lists:
CQ Researcher: good list for narrowing a topic under Browse by Topic, and for the most current reports in the database, go to In the News
Issues & Controversies: click on Need a Research Topic? in the box at the lower right-hand corner of the home screen
Opposing Viewpoints: offers a list of topics on their home screen.
Periodicals:
Browsing recent issues of newspapers, such as The Houston Chronicle or USA Today, and popular magazines, such as Time or Newsweek, is a great way to find ideas. (Find current issues of these periodicals on the first floor of the library.)SOCIAL ISSUES SERIES OF BOOKS:
Within the library collection are several series of books which contain subject overviews (sometimes presenting pro/con viewpoints), chronologies, documents, and references. Searching the catalog for a list of the titles within these series will provide you with some ideas. Once you have chosen a topic, these books are wonderful sources of information. Use the Series Keyword menu and type in the title of the series (listed below).
At Issue
Opposing Viewpoints
Contemporary World Issues
Current Controversies
Taking Sides
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