Course research guide
ENGL 1301 - Pierce
Controversial Issues

This guide provides titles of and links to library resources that can help you with your research. Here's a link to the search sheet if you'd like to modify it and use it to keep track of your research: Search Sheet (Word doc).

Have fun with your search, and let me know if you have questions or need help at any time!

I. Define Topic - reference sources in section III. below can help you with this part!

What topic are you researching?

List what you know about your topic -- who, what, when, where, why, and how:

What would you like to find out about your topic? What questions do you have? What are your learning issues?

II. Devise Strategy - create a flexible search plan, list key words/names

Whatever topic you're researching, you need to list as many synonyms and related key words as possible. Use the list of words to create multiple combinations with the word AND in order to have a successful search:

body image
body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
imagined ugliness
body defect
self-esteem
self-image
body image and women
self-image and women
body image and adolescen*
body image and men
body defect and men
etc.

body image	and	women	and	friends
or		or		or
self-image	and	men	and	peer group
or		or		or
BDD	and	adolescen*	and	social

So...what's the difference between KEYWORD v. SUBJECT searching?

Keyword search = to combine your own key words; finds items that contain your keywords
Subject search = when you know terminology; finds items that are about that topic

TIPS:

Use symbols such as the * at the end of key words to pick up alternate endings: adolescen* = adolescence, adolescent, adolescents
Use keyword and subject searching together: start with a keyword search, find an item that's relevant, then look for subject headings within item descriptions and incorporate those subject words into your search strategy.

III. Search Sources

A. Looking for background information or facts? - REFERENCE sources

Online databases require a valid SAC SSN & PIN from off-campus. Your PIN is the same number you use to access student services online such as grades and registration. Sources labeled Ref are in print and available at the SAC Library, 2nd floor reference room. You can also check your local library catalog to see if they own a copy.

Location & Call No.	Reference Source Title
Online database	CQ Researcher (multi-section reports on issues)
Online database	Facts.com (click on "Issues & Controversies" tab)
Online database	Opposing Viewpoints (reference, statistics, viewpoints, articles)
See also:	more Reference databases...

Location & Call No.	Reference Source Title
Ref BF31 .E52	Encyclopedia of Psychology
Ref BJ63 .E45	Encyclopedia of Ethics (3 v.)
Ref BL2525 .D58	Encyclopedia of American Religion and Politics
Ref BL2525 .E52	Encyclopedia of Religion in American Politics
Ref E49 .R33	Racial and Ethnic Relations in America (3 v.)
Ref E185.61 .E544	Encyclopedia of Civil Rights in America (3 v.)
Ref HM886 .E53	Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace, and Conflict
Ref HN57 .E59	Encyclopedia of Social Issues (6 v.)
Ref HQ9 .E52	Encyclopedia of Marriage and the Family
Ref HQ1115 .E43	Encyclopedia of Women and Gender (2 v.)
Ref HQ76.3 .U5 E53	Encyclopedia of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender history in America (3 v.)
Ref KF4850 .B35 2004	The USA Patriot Act of 2001 : balancing civil liberties and national security : a reference handbook
Ref KF4558	The First Amendment - The Tenth Amendment (Bill of Rights series)
Ref P95.82 .U6 M45	The Media and Politics

B. Looking for in-depth information? - BOOKS, VIDEOS, other items

Here are a few subject headings you can use to search in Books & Media (Catalog):
Feminine beauty (Aesthetics) -- United States
Body, Human -- Social aspects -- United States
Body image -- United States
Self-esteem in women -- United States
Women college students -- United States
Women -- United States -- Identity
TIP 1: Just copy and paste these into QuickSearch box above and search By Subject.
TIP 2: How do you find subject headings? Start with a keyword search, find an item that's relevant, look at the Subject(s) in the item's description!
netLibrary (online eBooks - enter here, click on "Create a Free Account," then you can access directly via www.netlibrary.com)
How to check out books & eBooks

C. Looking for current information or need to highlight a specific issue? - periodical ARTICLES

Online databases listed below require a valid SAC SSN & PIN from off-campus. Your PIN is the same number you use to access student services online such as grades and registration.

Academic Search Complete (all topics)
Contemporary Women's Issues (warning: limited to 2 users; can't get in? try again later.)
InfoTrac Onefile (all topics)
LexisNexis Academic (News, Business, Legal Research, Medical, Reference)
NewsBank (San Antonio Express-News, Texas & World newspapers)
Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center
See also: more databases by subject...

NOTE: If the full-text of the article isn't available online use the SAC Journal Locator. For instance, a non-full-text item from Academic Search Complete on body image is published in Sex Roles. Type that title into the Journal Locator to find out if the library has this journal full-text somewhere else online or in paper in the 4th floor Periodicals.

Two other places to search for periodicals: the CORAL list will tell you which library in/around San Antonio has a periodical; WorldCat will tell you which library in Texas or around the World has a periodical.

From off-campus, you'll get this log in screen when you click on a database:

D. Looking for other sources? - free WEB SITES

Hot Topics: Current Issues - listing of free sites evaluated by John Deosdade, Reference Librarian
Hot Topics: Archive - listing of free sites evaluated by John Deosdade, Reference Librarian
See also: more Web Guides by subject...

IV. Evaluate and Cite your sources

Course research guide ENGL 1301 - Pierce Controversial Issues