COMH 121/COMM 121/COMM 201 - Alspach
Finding Journal Articles
Please read Off-Campus Database Access if you want to do your searching from home.
Periodicals (journal articles) cover controversial topics and issues as well. Many are found under the topic heading General and Multidisciplinary databases, or there are several individual databases which are likely to help you find material on your topic:
General OneFile
Facts on File: Issues and Controversies
CQ Researcher
Wilson Select Plus
Opposing Viewpoints in Context
Use the Find a Periodical search to find a specific journal title at FLITE.
Visit UC Berkeley's guide to Critical Evaluation of Resources
Newspaper Articles
Newspapers often write on current issues. Check out our Newspaper links page including:
InfoTrac Custom Newspapers (120 Full-text Newspapers)
Access World News
Lexis-Nexis Newspapers
Finding Books
For books in the circulating collection (Main Stacks), use the Online 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.
Book Locations:
- Main Stacks, Call Numbers A-H - Lower Level
- Main Stacks, Call Number J-Z - Third Floor
- Reference - First Floor
- Government Documents - Second Floor
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.
View our handout on Criteria for Evaluating Web Sites
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", 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 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.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the act of presenting another's work or ideas as your own. Plagiarism is often unintentional, but it occurs whenever you use someone else's ideas or words without giving them credit. It can be obvious - purchasing a term paper or turning in a project done by someone else. It can be putting other's ideas into your own words. A simple rule: do not copy text from Web pages or other sources without identifying the origional author. In this description, I am using ideas presented in the FLITE Online Tutorial called PILOT.
The tutorial provides these four tips to avoid Plagiarism:
- Take clear, accurate notes about where you found specific ideas
- Write down the complete citation information for each item you use
- Use quotation marks when directly stating another person's words
- Always credit original authors for their information and ideas
For more information about Plagiarism, please explore the Plagiarism webpage provided by the Ferris State University Writing Center.
Citation Style Guides
Whenever you are quoting or using information from a source, you must credit or cite that source. Failure to do so is plagiarism which can lead to expulsion from the University.
MLA List of References
More examples of how cite different types of sources using the MLA format.
Reference > General Reference > Citation Style Guides > Citation Style Guide: MLA (PDF)...
APA List of References
More examples of how cite different types of sources using the APA format.
Reference > General Reference > Citation Style Guides > Citation Style Guide: APA (PDF)...
Copies of the full-length APA manual (Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th ed.) and MLA Handbook (MLA handbook for writers of research papers) are found in the Ready Reference section on Floor 1 of the library near the South Service Reference Desk.
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: March 17, 2009