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English 085 - Lindquist: Library Research

Library resources for students in English 085 researching controversial topics.

Starting your research

Welcome to the English 085 LibGuide! This will serve as your launch pad to research and will help you get started with your upcoming argumentative paper. Each tab is dedicated to a different topic with suggested books, articles, etc.

For general help and background information, consult this page ("Library Research" tab). Check out the links, videos, and tips below for tutorials.

Feel free to reach out to a librarian at any point in your research process. We'd love to help. Happy searching!

How to search our catalog/databases (Video Tutorials)

Video tutorials:  In Context: Opposing Viewpoints & Academic Search Complete
 

   

Find background information (Encyclopedias/Reference)

Background information can be useful to gain familiarity with your topic. Check out the library's encyclopedias for basic information and overviews. These are also sometimes known as "reference books" or belonging to the "reference section."

Choosing a topic/Finding resources (Issues Databases)

These library databases contain sources for many current, controversial topics - articles from magazines, newspapers and academic journals, as well as opinion essays. The opinion pieces present  particular viewpoints about controversial topics. These databases are also a great place to start if you are looking for a topic. Browse the available topics in the database and find something that interests you. 

Finding More Articles (Library Databases)

How to Find Articles - Step by Step

To find articles, use the library databases on the Library websiteAcademic Search Complete and Academic OneFile Select  are two multi-subject databases that can be a good place to start. Follow these steps for finding articles:

  1. Keep your search simple. Enter basic terms for each aspect of your topic, such as "energy drinks and health."
  2. Use the limiting options available on most databases. Common limiters are full-text, date, and source type. Articles from academic (scholarly) journals may be required for some assignments.
  3. Evaluate your results. Use the title of the article, the abstract (summary) and the subject terms to determine if the articles are relevant to you. If you want different or additional results, try different search terms. (college costs vs. student loan debt) Remember to keep it simple. Contact a librarian if you need help with your search. 
  4. To display the full article, click on the PDF icon, the "HTML Full Text," or other full text icon. Clicking the "Full Text Finder" icon will take you to the full article in a different database. 
  5. Please contact a librarian if you need any assistance.

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Issues Books

Contemporary Issues Books
At the Sugar Grove, Aurora Downtown, and Aurora Fox Valley campus libraries, look at the Contemporary Issues section. Browsing the titles on the shelf may give you some ideas. 

Issues books