Subject Librarian
For More Help
Get in Touch: If you have questions about research or finding good articles, please email me!
Keywords: Watch the video below for some tips on finding good Keywords for your topic.
1. Getting Started
Start your research process by looking into background information on your topic. You want to understand a little bit of history and context surrounding any current or controversial events.
- Issues & Controversies This link opens in a new windowExplore hundreds of hot topics in politics, government, business, society, education, and popular culture. Presented in a balanced, pro/con format, each article presents the key facts, arguments, history, and current context - a great starting point for research.
- Opposing Viewpoints In Context This link opens in a new windowContains overviews and pro/con essays on current controversial issues. Also includes recent newspaper, magazine, and journal articles.
- WikipediaWikipedia is a great source for overviews and background info, especially on topics that aren't covered as much in the mainstream press. Use it as a jumping off point, and be careful with articles that have very few references.
2. Find Current News & Statistics
Once you understand the basics of your topic, you want to look for information on recent developments. Pay attention to the source (publisher) or your article and mostly stick to major news outlets.
- Academic Search Premier (EBSCOhost) This link opens in a new windowGeneral database good for all subject areas. Contains newspaper, magazine and scholarly journal articles.
- ProQuest Central This link opens in a new windowThe largest single periodical resource available, bringing together complete databases across all major subject areas, including Business, Health and Medical, Social Sciences, Education, Science and Technology, and Humanities.
- Google NewsSearch a wide spectrum of news stories on a topic. Remember that Opinion or Editorial articles are more slanted and different from straight reporting.
- Statista This link opens in a new windowContains statistical data on media, business, finance, politics, and a wide variety of other areas. Easy to download graphs and charts for powerpoint presentations.
3. Search For Local Impact
Search for more information on your local police department through the links below. You should also go to their website directly and see what reports they make available to the public.
- The New York TimesNYT covers major New Jersey issues.
- NJ.comLocal news. Viewing some articles may require a subscription.
- PatchAd-supported local news. Enter your zip code in the upper left corner of the page to search for articles related to your community.
- Daily VoiceAd-supported local news site. Choose your town from the list by state and area.