COMH 121 - Moore
Where to find materials for your speeches at FLITE:
Finding Journal Articles
Journal and magazine articles (periodicals) cover controversial topics and current topics well. These articles, along with essays from reputable writers, are often collected into databases, and can be searched by Subject or through the Database Alphabetical List. Over one hundred individual databases can help you find material on your topic, but the ones listed below are probably most useful.
Controversial Topics - Persuasive
Database essays and articles can also show both sides of an issue. Use these selected databases to view both sides.
Opposing Viewpoints in Context
CQ Researcher - Pro and Con
Facts on File
Check: Issues & Controversies
General - Informational
General OneFileCQ Researcher
Newspapers often write on current issues. Check out this newspaper database for the most up-to-date facts:
Access World News
Look under "Other Newsbank Products" in the top right corner and select "Special Reports" to access current event coverage. "Hot Topics" will suggest current issue searches.
Getting the Article
If HTML or PDF full text options are available, click the link to go directly to the full text.
If full text is not an option:
By clicking Find It, you will reach the range of options available for document retrieval (print, microform, online). If the full text of the article is available, you will be able to find the article by clicking on the full text link.
If the only message you see is Request document via Interlibrary Loan, you will need to order the article. By clicking on the link in the window provided, you will be directed to a blank Interlibrary Loan form to be filled out.
Finding Books
For books in the circulating collection (Main Stacks), use the Library Catalog. Several series covering controversial topics and issues are available from FLITE. You might try searching for the keyword search: Current Controversies, or Opposing Viewpoints, or try a keyword search for your topic.
Online Information
Wikipedia
Wikipedia is a free, web-based, collaborative encyclopedia. Anyone can create or edit content, thereby helping to create the largest popular reference work on the internet.
Because of its collaborative nature the information on Wikipedia is often suspect in terms of it authority and accuracy. Use Wikipedia only to gain a basic understanding of a concept and use an entry's bibilography to find reliable research materials.
FLITE's Online EncyclopediasAs an alternative to Wikipedia FLITE Library now offers two online encyclopedia collections: CREDO Reference and Oxford Reference Online. These sources offer hundreds of easily searched authoratative titles. Use them anytime you would use Wikipedia.
There are many webpages on the Internet which seem to provide quality information, but be aware that many provide less than valuable or credible information. Check out these websites for some real examples.
Click here for a quick guide to use when evaluating websites: Evaluating Websites
Citation Style Guides
The following links provide information on how to use APA:
Citation Style Guide: APA (PDF)
Image Citation Style Guide: APA (PDF)
APA List of References
More examples of how to cite different types of sources using the APA format.
Copies of the full-length APA manual (Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th ed.) are found in the Ready Reference section on Floor 1 of the library near the Oval Information Desk.
Please read Off-Campus Database Access if you want to do your searching from home.
Contact: Kristen Motz / Email / Phone: 231-591-3625 / Office: FLITE 140H
Contact: Communication Librarian Mari Kermit-Canfield / Email / Phone: 231-591-3636 / Office: FLITE 140G
Don't forget, you are welcome to come to the Oval Information Desk and ask for help any time. You can also call us 231-591-3602 or chat with us.
Make an appointment for a research consultation with a librarian - one-on-one personal library help for any course.
Last update: October 6, 2010