Research Starters
We all use Wikipedia, but if you want something authoritative and reliable, Britannica® Academic is a great option. Like all encyclopedias, this source is a good way to find background information on a topic.
- Encyclopedia Britannica - Academic This link opens in a new windowIf the search widget above isn't working, you can click here to access Britannica Academic.
CQ Researcher is a great source for information about current events and controversies. However, it also has some useful historical information, usually about political events (ex. U.S.-Iran relations). We recommend this source when you're having difficulty coming up with a topic. It's also a good tool if you already have an idea, but aren't sure what direction to take.
- CQ Researcher This link opens in a new windowIf the search widget above isn't working, you can click here to access CQ Researcher.
- Opposing Viewpoints In Context (Gale) This link opens in a new windowIf the search widget above isn't working, you can click here to access Opposing Viewpoints.
This source is very similar to Opposing Viewpoints in Context - it's a good place to look for information on controversial issues.
- Points of View Reference Center This link opens in a new windowIf the search widget above isn't working, you can click here to access Points of View Reference Center.
Online General Reference Resources
- Library Resources for Transgender TopicsA guide put together by librarians at University of Minnesota that collects resources to help researchers find information about people who identify as transgender.
- Opposing Viewpoints In Context (Gale) This link opens in a new windowAccess viewpoint articles, topic overviews, statistics, primary documents, links to websites, and full-text magazine and newspaper articles. Great for current issues research.
- CQ Researcher This link opens in a new windowExcellent background and analysis of current national and international issues in the news. Also includes Archival research reports back to 1923, which address the significance and legacy of the events and issues of the time.
Covers: 1923 - present - Research Library This link opens in a new windowSearch over 2,700 periodicals for information on a broad range of general reference subjects including arts, business, humanities, social sciences, and the sciences.
Statistical and Demographic Sources
- Federal Committee on Statistical Methodology (FCSM)Provides the public with information, tools, and news related to official federal statistics.
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