Course research guide
global issues

Global issues: Why are these topics important to us? Who is involved? How do I create a flexible search strategy? What resources are available? This guide can help you with your research. Also: a Search Sheet (Word doc) to help you keep track of your keywords and sources.

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

If you're researching a particular topic, such as "global warming ", then 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:

• what: global warming, planetary temperature, weather, greenhouse effect
• where: environment, habitat, forests, deserts, cities, oceans, Arctic
• who: people, animals, humans, frogs, cultures, polar bears

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

• Keyword search = to combine key words or for more specific search; finds items that contain your keywords
• Subject search = for broad search or 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. (desert* = desert, deserts, etc.)
• 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 work those subject words into your search strategy.
  

III. Search Sources

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

Online databases require a login from off-campus.You can get login info HERE. (What does the login page look like?)

Online databases	Screen captures - clickable!
Access Science Online encyclopedia for science, medicine, technology, psychology
CQ Researcher Provides in-depth reports on social and political issues!
Opposing Viewpoints Access a variety of sources: viewpoints, reference, articles on a wide range of controversial issues. Search by broad subject, specific keyword, or look in the entire document for your words.
Facts.com Contains a tab for Issues & Controversies, Science Today, World Almanac, and more.
Science Resource Center One-stop shop for all science topics!

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

QuickSearch Books & Media (Catalog)

By: Keyword Title Author Subject Call Number Search for:

• Remember the old timey Card Catalog? There were 3 ways you could search it: Author, Title, SUBJECT
• With the online Catalog, start with a Keyword, then look for Subject headings.

A few Subject headings (just copy & paste into box!) you can use to search By Subject:

• global warming
• greenhouse effect, atmospheric
• environmental protection
• environmental policy--united states
• global temperature changes
• extinction (biology)

• NetLibrary (eBooks)
• How to check out books & eBooks

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

Online databases require a login from off-campus.You can get login info HERE. (What does the login page look like?)

• Academic Search Complete - articles on all topics from magazines, journals, newspapers.
  
  
  
  
• NewsBank - search the Express-News, Texas Newspapers, or World newspapers for regional info on edu issues
  
  
  
  
  
• More databases...

NOTE: If the full-text of the article isn't available online use the Journal Locator. Just type in the periodical title to see if SAC Library owns a paper copy or if another database offers full-text.

D. FREE WEB SITES

• Hot Topics Web Guide - by John Deosdade, SAC Librarian
• Other Web Guides by Topic - collected and organized by SAC Librarians

IV. Evaluate and Cite your sources