Research Guide
Controversial Issues

The following recommended research databases will provide information that you need for writing your paper.
Remember, if you can’t find what you need, ask a librarian for assistance.

NRCC Library Web Page: www.nr.edu/library

Books

To search for books on a particular topic, you’ll need to search the library’s online catalog. From the Library Home page, click on Search for Books and then NRCC Library Catalog.

• Type your topic in the search box and click on Go.
• The next screen will display your results. Click on the numeral beside any entry to view the full record.
• In order to find the book or item on the shelf, find the call number located at the bottom of the full record.

Databases

• Your own “mini-virtual library” for persuasive or argumentative papers and speeches
• You’ll find pro/con arguments in viewpoint essays; magazine and newspaper articles, statistics, excerpts from reference sources, and selected websites… all with one search!
• Select a topic or type your topic in the search box (if you can’t find anything on your topic, you may need to choose a broader term – ask a librarian if you need help).
• Click on the tabs across the top of the page to see corresponding information: Viewpoint Essays, Reference, Statistics, Magazine & Newspapers, Primary Documents, Websites.

• Covers current and controversial political and social issues. Reports include detailed summaries, background and chronology, pro/con arguments, tables and maps.
• Type your subject in the search box. If you can’t find anything on your topic try to think of a synonym or broader term.
• For easier viewing, click the B&W PDF button on the top right on the screen.
• Click on Contacts for related websites. You can also search with that website for relevant information.
  CiteNow for proper format.

• Magazine and newspaper articles for additional supporting information

• Make sure you select keyword search
• Limit search to full-text articles
• May need to narrow search by adding an additional keyword

Searching the Web

Try searching a subject directory before searching one of the popular search engines first. Subject directories allow you to search selected websites that have been evaluated for the quality of information, accuracy and currency. In a sense, you’re searching the best of the Web.

• From the Library Home page, click on Search the Internet and then Subject Directories
• Select Librarian’s Index to the Internet (or other subject directory)
• Type your search term in the box to retrieve relevant websites.

Once you’ve searched the Web using a subject directory, try Google or another favorite search engine. Below you’ll find some tips for helping you narrow your search within Google to retrieve the best, highly relevant websites.

 Goggle Tips

• Phrase searching - if you’re searching for a name, quotation or phrase, enclose your terms in quotation marks

“intelligent design”

• Search for websites that include your search terms it its title. This will limit your search to websites that are completely devoted to your topic.

Allintitle:”intelligent design”

• You can limit your search even further by limiting websites with a particular domain. (Recommended domains include .gov, .edu, and .org)

Allintitle:”intelligent design” site:.edu

If you need additional assistance, please feel free to ask a librarian.
You may also email your question to nrccref@nr.edu or call ext. 4331.