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 research databases (Expanded Academic ASAP, NewsBank Access World News, etc.) and information from books.

Databases | Books & Periodicals | Web Sites

Databases

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 version is also available in the Periodical Department.)

*Off-campus users see: Databases

Books & Periodicals

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. The library also maintains a Keyword Index [PDF] to the series. (All volumes are located in the Index-Ref. 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.)

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.)

Web Sites

Public Agenda: Issue Guides
A nonprofit and nonpartisan organization that provides perspectives and analysis of public attitudes toward controversial social issues. Listed under "Issue Guides" each issue begins with an introduction and is divided into three research categories: "Understanding the Issues," "Public Opinion," and "Additional Resources."

ProCon.org
A nonprofit and nonpartisan organization whose mission is "Promoting critical thinking, education, and informed citizenship by presenting controversial issues..." Each issue is supported by its own home page and contains in-dept resources on the topic.

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.