A.C. Buehler Library: ENG 106 Composition II : Start with Reference

In the Beginning....

There are lots of different ways of starting the process of doing research.

One place to start is with General Resources.

General Resources are encyclopedias, handbooks, dictionaries, and other reference sources that give you an overview or broad picture of your topic. You should consider starting your research process with General Sources if:

You are starting research on an unfamiliar topic
You need some background information on your topic
You find "holes" in your information as you do other research and want to fill them in

Another helpful source...

CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window
Covers current and controversial issues from 1991-present. In-depth reports provide summaries, analysis, and links to additional resources.

CQ Researcher is a great source for current events topics. It can help you narrow and focus your topic. You can also use it to find other sources.

Issues & Controversies This link opens in a new window
Issues & Controversies offers extensive, exclusive, and objective analysis of hundreds of today’s hot topics and conflicts by presenting the key facts, arguments, history, and current context of today’s most important issues, along with a wealth of
primary sources, videos, and relevant media coverage, making it an ideal resource for research papers, debate preparation, and persuasive writing assignments. Each
article presents both sides of an issue clearly and without bias in order to inspire thought-provoking discussions.

General Resources in the A.C. Buehler Library

Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
An online collection of over 1000 reference books, covering a wide range of subjects, from art to technology. Credo Reference also includes a selection of specialized reference books from Sage Publishing.
Gale eBooks This link opens in a new window
Contains the full-text of hundreds of print reference titles and series, allowing you access to key reference sources without having to be in the library. Includes a variety of topics, and all titles in the Scribner's and Twayne's author series. Most Gale eBook titles can also be accessed through I-Share.

Reference Resources Exercise

Choose one of the two electronic reference databases above. Do a search for your topic. Complete the attached worksheet, answering the questions based on your results list.

Reference Resources Exercise

Some "argument book" examples

Biodiversity by Greenhaven Press Editors (Editor); Noah Berlatsky (Editor)
Call Number: 333.95 B615B
ISBN: 9780737769050
Publication Date: 2013-10-15
Drug Legalization by Noël Merino (Editor)
Call Number: 364.177 D794L 2015
ISBN: 9780737772166
Publication Date: 2015-03-10
Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Social Issues, Expanded by Kurt Finsterbusch
Call Number: 306.0973 T136 2012
ISBN: 9780078139475
Publication Date: 2013-06-27

The Library has several book series:

Opposing Viewpoints
Global Viewpoints
Current Controversies
Taking Sides

which are also good for beginning some research as well as exploring a range of possibilities for research questions and argument theses. I've linked to examples for the book series, but you can search for your topic in the catalog as well. Just add the series name in the search box with your topic.If there is a book the catalog will find it.