Library Guides: English 251:Current Issues

 Valerie Ehrlich, Instructor
Developed by Gina Haycock, Librarian
November 12, 2008

However, through the Academic Electronic Databases link on the COS Library’s Web Site, a student can locate indexing and many full-text periodical articles regardless of whether the LRC subscribes to the source. Because these indexes are part of what is known as the Invisible Web, that is, proprietary databases, they are available by subscription only; the LRC pays fees so that COS students can use them. If a student is off campus, passwords are necessary to access these databases. Passwords are available for COS students at the COS LRC Information Desk or by calling (559) 737-6179.

 The COS Learning Resource Center makes available to COS students CQ Researcher  and SIRS. These databases cover current, controversial issues and provide pro and con arguments. Both databases highlight topics and also provide subject or keyword searching. Both are full-text.

CQ Researcher is your complete source on the most current and controversial issues of the day with complete summaries, all the pros and cons, bibliographies and more. (Annual Cost $523)  Tutorial: How to search CQ Researcher effectively.

Some special features of CQ Researcher:

• In depth independent research reports.

• Searching by featured topic, browsing topics, or key word

• Can print or email specific sections

• Cites articles in various formats (Must change default to MLA)

• The results can be sorted by the most recent date.

SIRS (Social Issues Research Series) contains all full-text articles from a variety of newspaper and magazines covering current social issues.  (Annual Cost $1440)

Some special features of SIRS:

• Can separate results by type of source; for example, newspapers only or graphics

• Gives hypertext descriptors to help refine your search

• Searching by featured topics, browsing topics or key word or subjects

Here are some general guidelines to think about before typing anything in the search boxes:

• Allow plenty of time for searching, depending on your topic getting good results may take longer than you think.

• Allow time to read the article before emailing or printing, especially, when doing a key word search, because you may get false hits.

• Choose the most appropriate database for your topic.

• Take time to look at the search screen as a whole and make choices appropriate to your topic or assignment.

• Focus on getting precisely what you are looking for, not how many results you get.

• Use Boolean operators: and, or, not, whenever appropriate or allowed by the software. This option is often available in advanced search.

• Identify key words and possible subject headings and synonyms. For Example:

There is no one "right way" to search in these databases, but if you take some time to think about which database to use and to plan your search terms,  you will save time in the long run. Remember, GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT!

When using an electronic database it is important to know the difference between subject and key word searching. In subject searching, you can begin with broad topics of possibly one or two words, and the indexing will help you to narrow your search. by choosing a subdivision and also by selecting "Limit Search" and typing in a key word in the search box. Expanded Academic ASAP has very good subject indexing:

Expanded Academic ASAP (Infotrac) provides articles from more than 500 scholarly, trade and general-interest publications, as well as references for The New York Times. The databases integrate core titles in every major academic concentration; area  and issue-specific journals; academic journals with application in the professions; and publications with national news coverage and commentary.  The time period it covers is current year to date + the previous 3 years. The optional backfile extends coverage as far back as 1980.  (Annual Cost $9,732) Tutorial: How to search Infotrac effectively.
                                     
Another way of searching in index databases is a key word search. The more key words that you enter, the narrower, that is, the more specific the search becomes.

Proquest National Newspapers Core  includes: LA Times, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Christian Science Monitor and The Washington Post.

This page was created: April 2006   This page was last updated: 11/04/2008
For Questions and Comments, please mail to ginah@cos.edu