Library Guides: English 251: Social Issues

For Instructor: Charles Parker
Developed by  Librarian: Gina Haycock

REFERENCE BOOKS:
Located on the first floor of the library behind the Reference Desk.  These books must remain in the library. Reference books include dictionaries, almanacs and encyclopedias. Specialized or subject encyclopedias (concentrating on a particular subject instead of covering all knowledge) are excellent starting points for research. They are focused on a particular topic, cover the major concepts of the topic, are written by experts in the field, and often have bibliographies or other references. Examples of Reference books in the COS library are as follows:

For Statistics:
Statistical Abstract of the United States    #R317.3 Un58    This resource is also available online at the following URL:    http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/
The World Almanac and Book of Facts    #R317.3 W927

Subject Encyclopedias: (a small sampling of what is available)

Encyclopedia of Terrorism    #R303.625 K97
Encyclopedia of the American Armed Forces    #R355.00973 A969
Global Warming in the 21st Century    #R363.73874 J65
Eating Disorders and Obesity    #R616.8526 E14

Circulating  books:
COS Library owns about 170 titles of a series called Opposing Viewpoints that cover current controversial topics. An example of a search in the COS catalog is as follows:

However, through the Electronic Resources 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 the Information Desk at(559) 737-6179.

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.

• Infotrac - 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 back file extends coverage as far back as 1980.  (Annual Cost $9,732)

A database specializing in current topics is:

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

A database known for its pro and con coverage of controversial issues is:

• CQ Researcher - 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)

A database designed specifically for student research is:

• Student Research Center - This site provides access to the Columbia Encyclopedia as well as government reports, magazines, news transcripts, Primary Source Documents and more.

For current issues regarding California and/or local problems, newspaper coverage may be the best choice:

• Los Angeles Times - This full-text database covers 1985 to the present

This page was created: June 2007   This page was last updated: 06/27/2007
For Questions and Comments, please mail to ginah@cos.edu