eResearch Guides

Country Studies
Library Research
and
Resources

Doing Library Research

A good research paper should include information from a variety of sources:

  • Books
  • Encyclopedias and other reference works
  • Magazines and journals
  • Newspapers
  • The Internet
    		•

    While the Internet may provide useful information, it may not be your best source.

    Print Resources
    MCC Library Catalog
    Use for books and audiovisual materials at all the libraries in the community college system. Titles at other campuses may be requested if “available.” Enter the word or words that best describe your topic.

    Reference Materials


    .     		Countries of the World
    (REF G1 .C88)
    MCC & RM
    .     		Europa World Year Book
    (REF JN1 .E85)
    MCC & RM
    Information Please Almanac Atlas and Yearbook
    (REF AY64 .I55 1993)
    MCC    		 Political Handbook of the World
    (REF JF37 .P6)
    MCC

    		World Almanac and Book of Facts
    (REF AY67 .N5 W7)
    MCC & RM    		 World Book Encyclopedia
    (REF AE5 .W55)
    MCC & RM

    Databases

    National Newspapers
    Online access to the top five newspapers in the United States including: The Christian Science Monitor, New York Times, Wall Street Journal and the L.A. Times in full text since 1999 to the present. Excellent international coverage.


    Ethnic Newswatch
    A large collection of newsletter, magazine, and newspaper articles from the Hispanic, Jewish, Islamic, Native American, African-American, and Asian and multi-ethnic presses. You won’t find these full-text publications in any other database. Searchable in English or Spanish.

    Culture Grams
    Provides concise, reliable up-to-date information on the world’s cultures. Available for more than 182 nations and territories, it delivers an insider’s perspective to daily life. Includes a glossary of cultural terms, recipes and information about famous people from various countries.

    		Mergent Online
    This business database includes a ‘Country Profile’ feature that gives 2003 estimates of population & economic statistics. Select from the drop down list to the right and open a new window with map and ‘country snapshot’ information for over 100 countries.

    World Almanac
    A fundamental reference source for students and scholars alike it includes biographies, encyclopedia entries, facts and statistics. Includes data from various World Almanac print titles and the Funk & Wagnall’s New Encyclopedia.

    Internet Sites


    Chief of State and Cabinet Members
    of Foreign Governments
    http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/chiefs/index.html

    United Nations homepage
    http://www.un.org

    Lonely Planet Travel Guides
    http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations

    O & A Currency Converter
    http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic

    U of Texas Map Collection
    http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/

    Accessing Library Resources
    From Home
    If you have a computer with Internet access, you can make use of the library's databases from the convenience of your own home. Simply set your Internet browser to the library's main web page (shown below) and follow the links.

    Follow these steps:
    1. Go to http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/library/.

    2. To search for magazines or journals, click on
    "Electronic Resources." At the top of the Electronic Resources page, click the "Off-Campus Access" link.

    3. Make a selection of one of the databases listed.

    4. Log on with your MCC e-mail user name and password.

    Country studies resources are in the
    “General Magazines/Journals”,
    “Humanities/Reference” and “Education/Philosophy/Religion” sections.

    All of the databases listed may be accessed from your home or school computer.

    All Research Guides are available online at: http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/library/researchguides.html

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