Virtual researchers should go to the library website Electronic Resources page to access reference works through library online subscriptions. Works such as Encyclopædia Britannica , Oxford English Dictionary and World Almanac can be searched by using MCC portal account information to 'logon' from 'off-campus'. MCC Online students are especially encouraged to use library electronic resources for effective college level researching. All electronic resources are available from any computer in our libraries.
Useful sources for finding topics:
10,000 Ideas for Term Papers by Kathryn
Lamm (Ref
LB 1047.3 .L35 1998)
This publication gives ideas in over 100 categories ranging from
adolescents through business, ethics, the future, government, media,
space to world scene. Topics are coded by the level of difficulty
in finding materials.
CQ
Researcher (Indexes H35 .E35)
Published weekly by the research firm Congressional Quarterly Press, each issue provides "...original, comprehensive reporting and analysis on issues in the news...". "Each single-themed, 12,000-word report is researched and written by a seasoned journalist ... " and includes
a chronological topic overview, juxtaposed pro/con column entries by invited commentators and
an extensive bibliography for further research. CQ Researcher is also available as an electronic resource for use by MCC students from off-campus . From the library's homepage users can select the link Electronic Resources then click on CQ Researcher in the electronically at both MCC Library locations. In addition the print version is available on the second floor Index Tables of the Elsner Library.
Book series (Reference and General Collections)
The following listed series are all useful for finding beginning information
on a wide variety of controversial topics. In general they each contain
essays which present both points of view of the issues being covered.
At Issue
Current Controversies
Information Plus Reference Series
Opposing Viewpoints Series
Taking Sides
Content from print titles in the At Issue, Current Controversies and Opposing Viewpoints series are also available through Gale's electronic resource Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center.
Researching exclusively from online? MCC Librarians suggest this free web resource.
Debatabase is " ... an online, searchable, reference utility for students wishing to research topics for debate." Sponsored by the International Debate Education Association (IDEA) it is a database of suggested "... basic arguments for and against a controversial proposition, ... ". Debatabase reminds users it is " ... a first point of call ... " to provide " ... a means to further research".
We would appreciate knowing about your experience using this site. Please click here to tell us.
11/07
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