Library Research Guides: ENGL 1101- Jones: Getting Started: Finding Topics &amp; Background Sources

Research 101

Research 101 A research guide to selecting your topic, starting your research, evaluating and selecting resources.
Assignment Calculator The Assignment Calculator breaks down research and writing projects into manageable steps based on your due dates. Each step includes hints and "how-to" links. You can also sign up to get text reminders for each step.

Background / Topic Databases

Look at background materials to find key terms for your topic

and identify important people, organizations, and points of view.


Credo Reference	Oxford English Dictionary

Opposing Viewpoints	Global Issues in Context

The Merck Manual (Professional Edition)	Points of View Reference Center

Credo Reference Online This link opens in a new window
Full-text online reference service.
GALE in Context: Global Issues This link opens in a new window
Global perspectives on issues of international importance and current world events and topics in the news.
GALE in Context: Opposing Viewpoints This link opens in a new window
Includes pro/con viewpoints, reference articles, interactive maps, infographics, and more.
GALE OneFile: Fine Arts This link opens in a new window
Fine Arts and Music Collection provides access to scholarly journals and magazines that support research in areas including drama, music, art history, and film-making. The database emphasizes full-text content for publications included in the Wilson Art Index and RILM bibliography.
The Merck Manual (Professional Edition) This link opens in a new window
The Merck Manuals Professional Edition offers trusted, concise and correct discussions of diagnosis and therapy. Content is updated monthly to keep current with changes in medical care.
Oxford English Dictionary This link opens in a new window
Guide to the meaning, history, and pronunciation of 600,000 words from across the English-speaking world.
Points of View Reference Source This link opens in a new window
Points of View Reference Center covers hundreds of topics, each with an overview (objective background/description), point (argument) and counterpoint (opposing argument).

Each topic features a Guide to Critical Analysis which helps the reader evaluate the controversy and enhances students’ ability to read critically, develop their own perspective on the issues, and write or debate an effective argument on the topic.