The
information below can assist you with choosing
a controversial topic and finding articles
presenting both sides of an issue. This is
a good starting point that will provide you
with background information on a topic and
help you to narrow your focus
to one or two issues
for your paper. Once you have identified the
issues, you will be equipped to begin selecting
articles from databases (Infotrac, NewsBank,
etc.) and information from books.
Databases | Books
& Periodicals | Web
Sites
Opposing
Viewpoints Resource Center
This
is an excellent source that brings together
full-text viewpoint articles, statistics,
references, and Web sites on controversial
topics. Select a topic from the homepage
directory or search by subject and keyword.
Note the links to "Spotlight On" and "Spotlight
Archives" that highlight weekly hot
topic social issues and related documents.
CQ
Researcher
A
weekly publication that presents full-text articles
on current social, political, economic, and international
topics. Each issue offers a summery of a
topic, a background overview, a chronology of important
dates, a brief pro/con discussion, and an annotated
bibliography. Search by subject or browse by topical
issues. (The print publication is also available
in the Periodical Department.)
*Off-campus
users see: Databases
Taking
Sides
This
is a series of volumes, each containing issues
within a particular subject area: Bioethics,
Education, Politics, Law, Psychology, etc.
Each issue
contains a background introduction,
preceded by two opposing argumentative articles,
and
a postscript summary at the end. (Located
in the Index-Reference section near the Reference
Desk.)
Opposing
Viewpoints
A series of volumes that in part makes up
the content of the Opposing Viewpoints
Resource Center database described above.
Each volume focuses on a broad controversial
topic
(Gun Control, Hate Groups, Pornography, etc.)
and includes pro and con articles on specific
issues within the topic. (Located
in the library stacks.)
Information
Plus
A
good series for background and statistical
information on a variety of contemporary
social issues including Abortion, Capital
Punishment,
Immigration, and many more. Each volume compiles
current and historical information taken
from court decisions, public laws, public
opinion polls, and statistical tables and
charts.
(Current editions are
located in the Index-Reference section near
the Reference
Desk. Past editions
are available in the library stacks.)
Congressional Digest
A
monthly nonpartisan publication that presents
analysis and debate on important public policy
issues facing the U.S. Congress. Each month is
devoted to a single
controversial topic (Welfare Reform, School Prayer,
Chemical Weapons, etc.) giving an overview and
legislative background, followed
by
pro and
con
position papers
from members of Congress. (Located in the Periodicals
Department.)
CQ
Researcher
The
print version of the weekly magazine that is also
available online
and described above under "Databases."
(Located in the Periodicals Department.)
Encyclopedia
of Social Issues
A
six volume encyclopedia that provides 1-2 page
articles on hundreds of contemporary social issues.
(Located in the Reference
collection: Ref. HN 57 E59 1997.)
*Further
information and locations
for these books can be found by searching
the title under "Series" in
the Online
Catalog.
Public
Agenda: Issue Guides
A
nonprofit and nonpartisan organization that
provides perspectives and analysis of public
attitudes toward controversial social issues.
Each issue begins with an introduction and
is divided into three research categories: "Understanding the Issues," "Public Opinion,"
and "Additional
Resources."
Social
Issues
The
Social Issue Web page is part of the Multnomah
County Library (Oregon) "Homework Center".
Although its stated audience is middle school
students, the site is appropriate for any
researcher. Each issue contains links to
"megasites," followed by sites
with pro and con arguments.
