Gill Library

College of New Rochelle

Research Paper Workshop:

CHOOSING A TOPIC

By

Ana E. Fontoura, MLS, MS

Electronic Resources Librarian

CHOOSING A TOPICChoose a topic that interests you!

i.e. something that fascinates you, worries you, is important to you. Remember: if you are not bored, you’ll take greater interest in reading and writing about your topic!

Is this topic relevant to the course?

Is this topic researchable?

Is it doable?

Can you find enough information on it?

IDEAS FOR TOPICS:

Topics mentioned in class or suggested by your

instructor

Topics that are in your textbook

Browse current issues of journals in the subject

area of your course. (Consult the Journal List at

the Gill Library or ask the Reference Librarian

for titles)

Consider current topics in the news

LIBRARY SOURCES FOR

CHOOSING TOPICS:

Encyclopedia of Applied Ethics

Ref. Oversize BJ 63 .E44 1998

CQ Researcher

Ref. Oversize H 35 .E35

Also available online

Encyclopedia of Bioethics

Ref. Oversize QH 332. E52 1995

Opposing Viewpoints Series

Current Controversies Series

Information Plus

LIBRARY ONLINE CATALOG

Search the library catalog for key series for

topics. Here’s how:

1. Select “Catalog” from the Library homepage

2. Using a Keyword index, type “Opposing

Viewpoints” (or other words for other series)

3. Click “Search”. The list of all books in the

series will be displayed.

NARROWING YOUR TOPIC

Avoid overly broad topics.

Think of the many aspects of the topic being considered and its impact on other areas of study. Then you are ready to select a single aspect or focused topic to use.

i.e.: DIVORCE is an overly broad topic. Psychological EFFECTS OF

DIVORCE ON CHILDREN is a more focused topic.

i.e.: AIDS is an overly broad topic. TREATMENT methods and AIDS patients

is a more focused search.

HINT: You know your search is overly broad when typing the term in a

periodical database retrieves a huge number of results!

BASIC BACKGROUND

INFORMATION SOURCES

If you know little or nothing about your topic, it is useful to obtain basic background information. Here are some suggested sources:

CQ Researcher (Ref Oversize H 35 .E35)

Use this excellent source to begin research on current topics.

This weekly publication covers the more current and controversial issues of the day with complete summaries, insight into all sides of the issues, bibliographies and more. CQ Researcher is also available online at the library’s database webpage. It is listed as CQ Electronic Library (Congressional Quarterly)

BASIC BACKGROUND

INFORMATION SOURCES (cont.)

Information Plus

Obtain the list of Library held items in this series. Follow the

same instructions as “choosing your topic”. Each volume has a

historical and current analysis of the topic as well as detailed

statistics, graphs and charts.

Current Controversies

Obtain the list of Library held items in this series; follow the

same instructions as “choosing your topic”. Book in this series

cover today’s most current national and international issues and

contain the most important opinions of the past and present.

BASIC BACKGROUND

INFORMATION SOURCES (cont.)

General Encyclopedias

Use general encyclopedias for an overview of your topic. Try

the following encyclopedias:

* The New Encyclopedia Britannica

(Ref Oversize AE 5 .E363 1997)

* Encyclopedia Americana

(Ref Oversize AE 5 .E333 1994)

General Database

Academic Search Premier

BASIC BACKGROUND

INFORMATION SOURCES (cont.)

Narrow the focus by using subject specific encyclopedias.

Some examples of subject specific sources in Reference

are as follows:

* Encyclopedia of Psychology

(Ref Oversize BF 31 .E52 2000)

* Encyclopedia of Religion

(Ref Oversize BL 31 .E46 1986)

* McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology

(Ref Oversize Q 121 .M3 2002)

BASIC BACKGROUND

INFORMATION SOURCES (cont.)

HINT: Search the Library Online Catalog to see if there is a subject specific

encyclopedia or specialized dictionary for your topic. If you cannot find one,

consult the Reference Librarian for help with this item. There are many

sources in the Reference Room that may not completely focus on your topic,

but may contain a chapter that is relevant to your research.

OTHER HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS:

Take a look at the Gill Library’s Internet Resources listed on our homepage.

These sites are arranged by subject. You may find some general information

on your topic in an appropriate website. Always remember to evaluate your

information when searching the web.

Next:

Searching the Catalog

Searching the Databases

Thank you for your attention and good luck with your research!

Slide show created by:

Ana E. Fontoura, MLIS, MS

Electronic Resources LibrarianGill Library

College of New Rochelle

Updated Nov. 2006