COMM 251/336 - Patten
Where to find material for your speech:
Books
Several series covering controversial topics and issues are available from FLITE. You might want to try searching our online catalog, and search in the title field for these words: current controversies or opposing viewpoints. You can also do a keyword search for your topic.
Off-Campus Access
Please read Off-Campus Database Access if you want to do your searching from home. Our Distance Education librarian, Stacy Anderson, is also available for assistance at 231-591-3635, or via Email.
Finding Journal Articles for Research - Databases
Journal articles cover controversial topics and issues as well. Here are some databases that are collections of journal articles you can use to do necessary research for your presentations.
General OneFile (used to be InfoTrac OneFile)Wilson Select Plus
Opposing Viewpoints in Context
Facts on File
Click on Available Databases at top right and select Issues and Controversies.
CQ Researcher
Look for the new Pro/Con link on the left
Use our Find Journals service if you need to look up a specific article located in a specific journal.
Newspaper Articles - Databases
Newspapers often write on current issues. Go to Find Articles and click on "News Service/Newspaper Resources" to reach these databases and others, or use the Select Database by Title link:
Access World NewsInfoTrac Custom Newspapers (120 Full-text Newspapers)
Michigan Newspapers (20 Michigan Newspapers)
Lexis-Nexis Newspapers
Citation Style Guides for Bibliographies
Librarians have also made quick links to Style Guides to help you format your citations properly for your bibliography or works cited page.
The Internet
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.
Contact: 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.
Last update: May 19, 2009
