CCEDL  

Choose a topic that connects to your own experiences, major or interests.

Choose a topic that engages and sustains your interest as well as the interest of your readers.

Choose a topic from current events.

Choose a topic that is controversial.

Search in the library catalog under the following titles: 

•  Opposing viewpoints
•  Reference Shelf
•  Current Controversies
•  At issue  
•  Social Issues Firsthand

With links to a variety of resources just for you, this guide is a great place to start your research!  For off-campus library network access, please refer to these directions.  Remember that these are only some of the sources that may be useful to you.  Please contact me for help with any of your research, Elizabeth Young, x1456 or e-mail AskUs.

Be persistent in your searching.

Try both keyword and subject searching.

Narrow a search by using subject headings. Locate subject headings by looking at the descriptors associated with pertinent articles and books. 

Try these tips to narrow your search.

Try synonyms (AIDS or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Can't think of any synonyms? Try an online thesaurus. Try these tips to expand your search.

Try both singular and plural forms of words.  Use an "*" in Academic Search Premier to get a variety of word endings.

If searching a compound word, try it as one word and as two words (e.g. rain forest or rainforest) to see which retrieves the most useful results.

If searching a term with an internal dash, search the term in each database with and without the internal dash (e.g. x-ray vs. x ray) to see which retrieves the most useful results.

Image created by Musselman Library, Gettysburg College

Used with permission

Ask Us!

Txt us @ 717-759-9178

Catalog

Journal Finder

ILLiad (interlibrary loan)

Outside Network Access
(link on library homepage)
To access databases off-campus:
 1. Supply E-town e-mail username & password.
 2. Click on "Articles & More."
 3. Select database.