Finding Hot Topic Information
in the MSU Libraries
Finding Hot Topic Information
in the MSU Libraries
Stuck on finding a hot or controversial topic for writing a paper or giving a speech? The following research guide provides a short list of resources which may prove helpful to undergraduates who are struggling with finding and researching a suitable topic.
CSA Discovery Guides | Lexis Nexis Academic Hot Topics
At Issue Series | Contemporary Issues Companion Series | Contemporary World Issues
Current Controversies Series | Information Plus Reference Series
Facts on File Library In a Book | Opposing Viewpoints | Reference Shelf series
MSU Library Online Catalog for more books | Selected Online Databases for finding more articles
Selected Web Pages from the World Wide Web
Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center (Electronic)
Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center is a database covering a variety of social issues including gun control, genetic engineering, censorship, abortion, and terrorism. This resource contains articles from the popular Greenhaven Press series Opposing Viewpoints, At Issue, Current Controversies, Contemporary Issues Companion Series, and Information Plus as well as statistics, biographies of social activists, court cases, profiles of special interest groups and more.
Congressional Digest (Print and Electronic)
Congressional Digest is an independent monthly publication featuring pro-con arguments on controversial issues before the U.S. Congress. It is not an official government publication, nor is it controlled by any political party or interest group. Each monthly issue covers one controversial topic, giving an overview and position papers, the legislative background and then pro and con positions about the topic by members of Congress.
There are a number of ways to identify hot topics covered by Congressional Digest. Check the Congressional Digest web page for an alphabetical listing of issues published since 1996. For an index to all issues released from 1921 through 1995 consult Congressional Digest : the Pro & Con Monthly : 75-Year Index in the Main Library Stacks under the call number JK1 .C652 1996.
Full text Congressional Digest issues from Vol. 77, no. 1, January 1998 to date are also available via: Pro and Con Online. You can plug in the title of a particular issue in the search box or just try browsing. If you decide to browse, note that Pro and Con Online is divided into categories such as Civil Rights & the Judiciary, Economic & Environmental Policy, Government & Politics, and Foreign Policy. Congressional Digest entries are identified by a Congressional dome on the right. Click on the dome to retrieve full text entry. (International Debates and Supreme Court Debates entries are also available.)
Paper copies of the Congressional Digest are available as well. Check Magic: our online catalog for the call number and holdings. Note that the most recent issues are in Current Periodicals; older issues in the Main Library Stacks.
CQ Researcher Available Online
The award-winning CQ Researcher explores a single "hot" issue in the news in depth each week. Topics range from social and teen issues to environment, health, education and science and technology. There are 44 reports produced each year including four expanded reports.
The CQ Researcher's hallmark is scrupulous objectivity and balance. Every 12,000-word report is written by an experienced journalist and features comments from experts, lawmakers and citizens on all sides of every issue. Numerous charts, graphs and sidebar articles -- plus a pro-con feature, a chronology, lengthy bibliographies and a list of contacts -- round out each report.
Visit the CQ Researcher Web Page for various cumulative indexes including titles arranged by date, topic, etc.
CSA Discovery Guides Available Online
Besides marketing full text journals, Cambridge Scientific Abstracts also offers a compilation of Discovery Guides for subscribers.
Each discovery guide provides comprehensive information on a current issue with an overview of the subject, key citations with abstracts, and links to web sites. Discovery Guides are arranged in four major categories: Arts & Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Technology.
Lexis Nexis Academic Hot Topics Available Online
Although most people use Lexis Nexis Academic to find current newspaper articles from around the country or legal information, the publishers also provide a Hot Topics page covering issues such as abortion, campaign 2004, homeland security, homosexual marriage, Iraq, Mideast conflict, No Child Left Behind, North Korea, prescription drug costs, and terrorism.
At Issue Series (Paper Format)
Books in this anthology series published by Greenhaven Press focus on a wide range of viewpoints onto a single controversial issue, providing in-depth discussions by leading advocates. Articles are printed in their entirety and footnotes and source notes are retained. These books offer the reader not only a full spectrum of dissent on the subject, but also the ability to test the validity of the arguments by following up on sources used as evidence. Extensive bibliographies and annotated lists of relevant organizations to contact offer a gateway to further research.
For an annotated list of titles in this series that have been ordered by the MSU Libraries, check At Issue Series.
Many of the articles appearing in this series are also available electronically via the Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Access to the electronic articles is limited to MSU faculty and students.
Contemporary Issues Companion Series (Paper Format)
Greenhaven Press's Contemporary Issues Companion series provides readers with a wealth of information on topics of current interest. Each anthology examines an important social issue in a variety of ways, from personal accounts and case studies to pertinent factual and statistical articles to commentaries and overviews. A perfect resource for both students and the general reader, this compelling and engaging series is sure to be a valued source of current, readable information.
For an annotated list of titles in this series that have been ordered by the MSU Libraries, check Contemporary Issues Companion Series.
Many of the articles appearing in this series are also available electronically via the Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Access to the electronic articles is limited to MSU faculty and students.
Contemporary World Issues (Paper Format)
Books in the Contemporary World Issues series by ABC-Clio address vital issues in today's society such as terrorism, sexual harassment, homelessness, etc. Written by professional writers, scholars, and nonacademic experts, these books are authoratative, clearly written, up-to-date, and objective. They provide a good starting point for research by high school and college students, scholars, and general readers, as well as by legislators, businesspeople, activists, and others.
Each book, carefully organized and easy to use, contains an overview of the subject; a detailed chronology; biographical sketches; facts and data and/or documents and other primary-source material; a directory of organizations and agencies; annotated lists of print and nonprint resources; a glossary; and an index.
For an annotated list of titles in this series that have been ordered by the MSU Libraries, check Contemporary World Issues.
Current Controversies Series (Paper Format)
Books in this anthology series published by Greenhaven Press cover today's most current national and international issues and contain the most important opinions of the past and present. The purpose of the series is to introduce the reader to all sides of contemporary controversies in an objective and comprehensive way.
Each individual anthology is composed of a wide spectrum of primary sources written by many of the foremost authorities in their respective fields; the authors representing the leading conservative, liberal, and centrist views. This unique approach provides students with a concise view of divergent opinions on each topic. Extensive book and periodical article bibliographies and a list of organizations to contact are also included in each volume.
For an annotated list of titles in this series that have been ordered by the MSU Libraries, check Current Controversies.
Many of the articles appearing in this series are also available electronically via the Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Access to the electronic articles is limited to MSU faculty and students.
Facts on File, Inc. Library in a Book Series
The Library in a Book Series from Facts on File provides students with complete one-stop sources of basic information on important contemporary topics and issues. Every volume is a compact, self-contained reference work. All the books are extensively researched, concisely written, and clearly formatted to yield information quickly and easily.
Each volume contains:
- a historical survey of the topic
- chronology of major events
- concise biographies of important people
- glossary of important terms, names, and acronyms
- information on court cases and/or significant legislation
- listing of important associations and organizations
- an extensive annotated bibliography (approximately 1/3 of book)
- a detailed index
Information Plus Reference Series (Paper Format)
The Gale Group has acquired Information Plus from a Dallas-area publisher and will be publishing new editions.
According to Gale, the Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers, and other sources. The series now covers 33 vital current issues, from abortion to national security. Each book in the series provides current and past statistics, court decisions, state and federal laws, tables and charts, results of public opinion polls, and more. Each volume averages from 112 to 200 pages, and includes indexing, complete source citations, as well as listings of names, addresses, telephone, and fax numbers for relevant organizations. Each volume will be completely revised and updated every two years.
For an annotated list of titles in this series that have been ordered by the MSU Libraries, check Information Plus Reference Series.
Many of the articles appearing in this series are also available electronically via the Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Access to the electronic articles is limited to MSU faculty and students.
Opposing Viewpoint Series (Paper Format) Format
The Opposing Viewpoints series by Greenhaven Press provides an excellent starting point for undergraduates who wish to examine current hot topics affecting American society. By exploring the many sides of a debate as related by experts, readers can become more aware of the issues involved as well as develop critical thinking skills.
Each book also contains a bibliography of periodical articles and books and a directory of organizations to contact for more information on the topic addressed.
For an annotated list of titles in this series that have been ordered by the MSU Libraries, check Opposing Viewpoints.
Many of the articles appearing in this series are also available electronically via the Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Access to the electronic articles is limited to MSU faculty and students.
Reference Shelf Series
The books in this series contain reprints of newspaper and periodical articles, excerpts from books, addresses on current issues, and studies of social trends in the United States and other countries. Each volume is made up of six different numbers. Numbers one through five for any given year are on individual topics, providing background information and discussion from different points of views and concluding with a bibliography of recommended books for further reading, a list of periodical articles with abstracts, and a subject index. Some of the more recent volumes in the series have also contained a list of relevant web sites. The final number of each volume (6) is a collection of recent speeches, and contains a cumulative speaker index. The books in this series average around 150-300 pages long.
For an alphabetical list of recent titles in this series that have been received by the MSU Libraries, check Reference Shelf series.
MSU Library Online Catalog
Need books? Try searching our library online catalog. The key word approach is probably the easiest. If you have any problems finding any on your topic, try visiting the Main Library Reference desk and ask a librarian for assistance.
Online Databases
To find additional periodical and newspaper articles, select one of the databases listed below. Many of the articles are available full text and may be printed, e-mailed or saved to disk. Off-campus access is also available.
Please keep in mind that the Library does not own every journal listed in these sources. To find out if the library does own a specific title perform a Title search in the Library Catalog or look up the magazine or journal title in our Electronic Periodical List. For those periodicals that we do not carry, try Interlibrary Loan or stop by the Main Library Reference desk for assistance.
Database:
Coverage:
Indexing: 1980 to date.
Description and Notes:
Expanded Academic ASAP™ provides coverage of 3,000 indexed and 1,900 full-text titles in a wide variety of disciplines including: social science journals, humanities journals, science and technology journals, national news periodicals, general interest magazines, newswires, The New York Times and many others. More than 1,400 journals are peer reviewed, and more than 20 years of backfile coverage are included.
Select Advanced Search if you want multiple boxes to work with.
Unlimited access
Database:
Coverage:
Indexing: 1980 to date.
Description and Notes:
A one-stop source for news and periodical articles on a wide range of topics: business, computers, current events, economics, education, environmental issues, health care, hobbies, humanities, law, literature and art, politics, science, social science, sports, technology, and many general interest topics. Millions of full-text articles, many with images. Updated daily. A large percentage of the cited resources are available full-text online within this collection, and other items can be found among MSU's other print and electronic collections.
The default search is within the subject thesaurus. Note you can also select keyword, advanced, etc. on the left. You can also retrict your search to full text items or peer reviewed items.
Unlimited access
Database:
Coverage:
Indexing: 1971 to date; full-text: 1991 to date.
Description and Notes:
Provides online access to an extensive collection of published material. You can search for information in thousands of different journals, periodicals, dissertations, newspapers, and magazines. Complete articles -- in full text, page image, or UMI's unique Text+Graphics format -- are available for many of the most popular and important sources. Updated daily.
Choose Advanced Search if you want multiple boxes to work with.
Unlimited access
Database:
Coverage:
1994-
Description and Notes:
Wilson Select provides full text coverage of over 400 journals. However, full text coverage varies by date from journal to journal.
Unlimited access
A few web sites contain interesting information on current hot topics. This is a very select list of possibilities.
The Brookings Institute is a non-partisian think-tank that produces a variety of books, articles, and other documents on a variety of controversial topics. Current research topics include: Business, Cities and Suburbs, Defense, Economics-Global, Economics-U.S., Education, Environment and Energy, Governance, Politics-Global, Politics-U.S., Science and Technology, and Social Policy.
DebateBase covers a lot of current debate topics. Courtesy of the International Debate Education Association.
The Michigan Public Leadership Program provides a set of Internet Resources on Social and Economic Development issues. Current categories include: Abortion, AIDS, Animal Rights, Bioethics, Business, Civil Liberties, Conservative Thought, Criminal Justice, Defense Policy, Disabilities, Drugs and Tobacco Policy, Economic and Tax Policy, Education, Environment, General Government Policy and Reform, Gun Control, Health Care, Human Rights, Immigration, International Affairs, Internet and Telecommunications Policy, Labor and Employment, Liberal Thought, Media and Communications Policy, Race and Ethnicity, Religion, Right to Die, Social Services, Housing, and Poverty, Senior Issues, and Women's Issues.
Newsbank regularly distributes a list of possible paper topics based on current events appearing in the nation's newspapers. Finding information is up to the student!
The PBS Frontline website provides background information, links, chronologies, interviews, and other information corresponding to documentaries filmed for the PBS show. Visitors to the site may also view many of the documentaries online, print out transcripts, and join online discussions. Current subject categories include: biographies, business/economy, criminal justice, foreign affairs/defense, government/elections, health/science/technology, and social issues/race/religion.
Public Agenda Issue Guides are used by journalists, policy makers, teachers, students and citizens who want to better understand controversial topics. Public Agenda Issue Guides provide facts and figures, different perspectives and analysis of public attitudes from surveys conducted by Public Agenda and by other respected polling and news organizations. Current topics include: Abortion, America's Global Role, Campaign Reform, Child Care, College Costs, Crime, The Economy, Education, The Environment, The Federal Budget, Gay Rights, Health Care, Higher Education, Illegal Drugs, Immigration, Internet Speech/Privacy, Jobs and the Economy, Medical Research, Medicare, Poverty and Welfare, Race, Right to Die, Social Security, Taxes and the Budget, and Terrorism.
Ron Gunszburger's Political Issues and Debates. Contains links to a balanced mix of leading groups on all sides of the hot issues facing our nation today. Topics covered include : abortion, affirmative action, budget and taxes, campaign and poltical reform, crime, death penalty, and drugs, education, environment, euthanasia, foreign relations, first amendment, free speech & the internet, gay rights, guns, health care, immigration, international trade, labor unions, jobs, & business, military, war & veterans, social security & seniors, women.
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Jon Harrison
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