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Using the Library to Research Your Current Issues Speech Topic

Using the Library to Research Your Current Issues Speech Topic. COMM 2200 2013-2014. James E. Walker Library. Consider the pros and cons of using Google to do research?. Discussion. Use the library to start your research. The library’s web site can be found at: http://library.mtsu.edu

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Using the Library to Research Your Current Issues Speech Topic

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  1. Using the Library to Research Your Current Issues Speech Topic COMM 22002013-2014 James E. Walker Library

  2. Consider the pros and cons of using Google to do research? Discussion

  3. Use the library to start your research • The library’s web site can be found at: http://library.mtsu.edu • The library provides access to subscription search tools and individual titles that are not freely available on the web. Many of these titles can be read online on- or off-campus. Off-campus access will require students to log-in using a Pipeline username and password.

  4. Select a Guide for Your Topic • From the library’s web page, locate the Research Guide menu. • These Research Guides cover many different topics. Each of these links will take you to a list of library-approved subscription search tools that are topically arranged. • Select the Speech and Communication option and then the COMM 2200 guide for a list of search tools for your speeches.

  5. COMM 2200 Search Tools The resources listed on the COMM 2200 research guide will direct you to: • Magazine articles • Newspaper articles • Full-text sources • Professor-approved sources • Sources that are available 24-7, on- or off-campus.

  6. Three Tools to Know These are three search tools you should use for your Current Issues speeches. All of these link from the aforementioned research guide. • Opposing Viewpoints • LexisNexis • CQ Researcher

  7. Search Tool 1: Opposing Viewpoints • This database is a searchable collection of multimedia sources on current events, containing a balance of materials from all viewpoints. • It includes topical overviews, points, and counterpoints to many current issues.

  8. Opposing Viewpoints Includes • Pro/con viewpoint essays • Topic overviews • More than 300 primary source documents • Periodical articles • Statistical tables, charts and graphs • Images and a link to Google Image Search • Podcasts

  9. Two ways to use Opposing Viewpoints • Browse by topic if you are undecided about your speech topic. • You may also search by keyword to find sources on your topic. For example, try a search for texting and driving.

  10. Opposing Viewpoints Search Results Your search results will vary by topic, but your results will be categorized by type, like academic journals, statistics, news, etc. Direct link to Opposing Viewpoints: https://ezproxy.mtsu.edu:3443/login?url=http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/tel_middleten?db=OVIC

  11. Search Tool 2: LexisNexis This provides a searchable collection of news articles from: • Major World Publications • Newspapers • Magazines • Wire Services • Broadcast Transcripts • Blogs

  12. Searching LexisNexis • LexisNexis’s News tab is the best place to find up-to-date articles on your topic from publications all over the world. • Use the ALL NEWS tab if you would like additional options to limit your search by date, publication, etc.

  13. Sorting your LexisNexis Results By default, your results will sort by relevance. You can choose to re-sort these results from Newest to Oldest with the pull down menu on the results page. Direct link to LexisNexis: http://library.mtsu.edu/libdata/link.phtml?page_id=246&element_id=2572

  14. Search Tool 3: CQ Researcher This is a searchable collection of original, comprehensive full-text research reports and analysis on issues in the news. A new topical report is written and loaded weekly, and all of these are collected online in this resource.

  15. Browsing CQ Researcher • Use the Browse Topics link to see a menu of all the CQ Researcher reports.

  16. Search CQ Researcher You may search across multiple reports by searching for keywords. For example: gays and military.

  17. CQ Researcher Results List Some of the reports in CQ Researcher are out of date. Always note the date of a report and find some complementary information using LexisNexis or another search tool.

  18. Navigating a CQ Researcher Report Individual reports can be browsed using a menu on the left side of the screen. Each report is divided into sections like: Introduction, Overview, Pro Con, Chronology, etc.

  19. Viewing Reports in CQ Researcher By default, you will view a report in html. It is also available for viewing, printing, and saving in PDF format.

  20. Citation Help in CQ Researcher CQ Researcher offers a CITE NOW button in its reports to assist you with formatting a citation in MLA style. Direct link to CQ Researcher: http://library.mtsu.edu/libdata/link.phtml?page_id=246&element_id=2483

  21. Review • Opposing Viewpoints • Search pro/con essays and articles from magazines, newspapers, and other media. • Browse for potential speech topics • LexisNexis • Search newspapers, magazines, etc., from all over the world • CQ Researcher • Research reports on current events topics • Browse for potential speech topics

  22. Need More Search Tools? If your topic doesn’t work well with these tools, head back to the Research Guides page and explore your other options.

  23. Off-Campus Access If you use Opposing Viewpoints, LexisNexis, or CQ Researcher from outside the campus network, you will be prompted to log-in with your Pipeline username and password. Always visit these research tools through the library’s web site. MTSU pays for these resources, and the library’s links are set up to connect to our subscriptions.

  24. Need Help? If you need help, feel free to stop by the library’s 1st floor reference desk, call 615-904-8539, or send an IM through the library’s web page. Librarians are here to help you, so don’t be shy about asking for help.

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