John W. Hicks Undergraduate Library
QUICK STOPS FOR TOPICS
The following sources may be helpful in either choosing a topic or in finding general information for a term
paper or speech. They provide summary information on current topics through up-to-date reports,
newspaper editorials, magazine articles, and newspaper articles.
Several of the items in this listing refer to series of books. To locate individual titles in the Purdue Libraries’ catalog, refer
to the example below:
Enter one of the following
series titles:
at issue
contemporary world issues
cqs vital issues
current controversies
library in a book
opposing viewpoints
reference shelf
Various
At Issue Series
Books in this series focus a wide range of viewpoints into a single controversial issue,
providing in-depth discussions by leading advocates. Articles are printed in their
entirety and footnotes and source notes are retained. Contains bibliographies and
annotated lists of relevant organizations to contact for further research. For a listing of
individual titles, search “at issue” as a series using the Assisted Search in the Purdue
Libraries’ catalog (refer to example above).
328.73
C765
HSSE (R) (1945-)
UGRL (1975-2002)
Congressional Quarterly Almanac Plus
An annual compendium of legislation for each session of Congress, as well as general
information on government and politics in the U.S. Covers such areas as
appropriations, budget, foreign policy, labor, and trade. Also includes voting records
for individual senators and representatives.
http://www.lib.purdue.edu
Articles & Databases
CQ Public Affairs Collection
“CQ Public Affairs Collection features in-depth coverage of vital public policy issues,
statistical and historical analyses, and full-text historical documents and primary
source materials. Organized by 22 key public affairs topics - from Advocacy and Public
Service to U.S. Congress and Politics.”
http://www.lib.purdue.edu
Articles & Databases
R
305
Ed4
HSSE (1997-)
STOR (1991-1996)
CQ Researcher
These weekly reports average 20 pages and cover newsworthy topics and social trends
such as school choice, animal rights, racial quotas, and athletes and drugs. Each issue
includes a general discussion of the subject, general issues and background
information, current situations, and upcoming developments. Additional readings are
also listed. The online version offers access to issues dating back to 1991.
Various
CQ’s Vital Issues Series
A collection of books that provide non-biased analysis of controversial topics debated
at the local, state, and federal levels. Each book includes an introduction to the topic;
an explanation of pertinent politics, policy, and political players; an overview of key
for-profit and non-profit business interests; and an analysis of the international
reaction to how the U.S. handles the issues. For a listing of individual titles, search
“cqs vital issues” as a series using the Assisted Search in the Purdue Libraries’ catalog
(refer to example on the first page of this handout).
http://www.lib.purdue.edu
Articles & Databases
CQ Weekly
Continues Congressional Quarterly Weekly Report. Each weekly report provides up-todate information on issues currently facing Congress. Follows the format and coverage
of Congressional Quarterly Almanac, including individuals’ voting records. The online
version includes an archive dating back to 1983.
R
328.73
C765L
HSSE (1982-)
STOR (1956-1992)
Various
Contemporary World Issues
Books in this series are designed to serve as both a one-stop information source and a
guide to in-depth exploration with extensive bibliographies in each volume. Helps the
reader understand issues surrounding the topic. For a listing of individual titles,
search “contemporary world issues” as a series using the Assisted Search in the Purdue
Libraries’ catalog (refer to example on the first page of this handout).
Various
Current Controversies
A series of books intended to introduce the reader to all sides of contemporary
controversies in an objective and comprehensive way. Composed of a wide range of
primary sources written by authorities in their respective fields. Includes extensive
bibliographies for further research. For a listing of individual titles, search “current
controversies” as a series using the Assisted Search in the Purdue Libraries’ catalog
(refer to example on the first page of this handout).
305
Ed4
STOR (1958-1990)
Editorial Research Reports
A previous title for CQ Researcher, this follows the same format and type of coverage
for discussions of general issues and trends. Title change occurred at the end of 1990.
R
808.066
Ed48
STOR (1970-1979)
UGRL (1980-)
Editorials on File
Approximately 175 newsworthy editorials are reprinted every two weeks from U.S.
and Canadian newspapers. Significant pro and con arguments are offered for each
news story chosen. The insanity defense, acid rain, trade with Japan--it’s all covered
here.
http://www.lib.purdue.edu
Articles & Databases
Ethnic NewsWatch
A full-text database of the newspapers, magazines, and journals of the ethnic, minority,
and native press. A rich collection of articles, editorials, columns, reviews, etc.
provides a broad diversity of perspectives and viewpoints – the other sides of the
stories. Free text searching and complete indexing makes Ethnic NewsWatch easy to
search. English and Spanish language search options are available.
R
306.0973
St28h
1995
UGRL
Hot Topics: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About the Fifty Major
Controversies Everyone Pretends To Know All About
Offers a unique and accessible format: opposing positions on current issues are laid
out opposite each other on facing pages. A two-page background section follows each
question providing an explanation of how it became a "hot topic" and what the future
outlook is for the issue.
361.1
Im15
1995
HSSE
Images of Issues: Typifying Contemporary Social Problems
This single volume book is filled with a compilation of essays on topics ranging from
infertility to child abuse, hate crimes to father's rights. Search the Purdue Libraries’
catalog for this title, then select the "Detailed” view to display the diversity of topics
covered.
Various
Library in a Book Series
Provides complete one-stop sources of basic information on important contemporary
topics and issues. Each volume includes: complete introductory history and overview
of the topic, chronology of major events, biographical listing of key individuals,
glossary of important terms, discussion of major historical or legal issues, listings of
relevant associations and organizations, and an extensive annotated bibliography. For
a listing of individual titles, search “library in a book” as a series using the Assisted
Search in the Purdue Libraries’ catalog (refer to example on the first page of this
handout).
http://www.lib.purdue.edu
Articles & Databases
(1991-current)
NewsBank NewsFile
Available in both print and online format, NewsBank products provide comprehensive
coverage of current issues and events from over 500 U.S. and Canadian newspapers,
news sources and domestic and international newswires. Gives regional, national and
international perspectives and in-depth coverage of the arts, and people and
professions in the news. Volumes in print include:
NewsBank
Fine Arts and Architecture
Names in the News
Literature
Film and Television
Performing Arts
Articles are available either online in full-text or on microfiche.
R
300.5
N475
Index
UGRL (1981-2/1997)
R
025.524
M147o
1999
UGRL
100 More Research Topic Guides for Students
A follow-up to 100 Research Topic Guides for Students, this guide provides outlines for
100 report topics in all basic subject areas. The outlines also include suggestions for
narrowing topics and related topics to explore. Includes a blank Research Topic Guide
to be photocopied for your own use.
Various
R
808.53
P94
1999
UGRL
Opposing Viewpoints Series
In this collection of books, controversial issues are presented in a balanced pro/con
format. Contains critical thinking questions, current bibliographies of accessible
periodicals and books, a thorough index, and helpful appendixes including a list of
organizations to contact. For a listing of individual titles, search “opposing
viewpoints” as a series using the Assisted Search in the Purdue Libraries’ catalog (refer
to example on the first page of this handout).
Pros and Cons: A Debater’s Handbook
A guide to current controversies, providing material for debate on a wide range of
topics. Arguments for and against each subject appear in adjacent columns for easy
comparison, numbered point by point. Related topics are listed at the end of each
entry. Also describes: debating technique, rules of debate, structure and types of
debate, and tips on how to become a successful speaker.
http://www.lib.purdue.edu
Articles & Databases
Reference Suite @ FACTS.com
Offers the complete content from the Facts On File World News Digest since 1940 which
summarizes key national and international news events. Provides access to Issues and
Controversies On File dating back to 1995 covering hot topics with outlines,
chronologies, maps, and tables for beginning research.
Various
Reference Shelf Series
A series of books offering in-depth coverage of vital--often controversial--social issues
and trends. Each book in the series covers historical background, current concerns, and
future implications of a topic. Carefully selected articles from magazines and
newspapers as well as excerpts from books and government documents provide a
range of opinion, analysis, and information. Includes a bibliography of recent
published material to further independent research. For a listing of individual titles,
search “reference shelf” as a series using the Assisted Search in the Purdue Libraries’
catalog (refer to example on the first page of this handout).
303.48303
N482s
1999
HSSE
UGRL (R)
Social Issues in Science and Technology: An Encyclopedia
Provides an overview of over 100 areas in which scientific advances have raised new
issues for society. Includes a basic scientific and historical background for grasping the
issue and its social, political, economic, and ethical implications. Presents an unbiased
summary of differing views, possible impacts on society, and the results of government
policy decisions. Offers additional sources for research.
Various
Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial . . . Issues
A collection of debate-style readers designed to introduce students to controversial
issues. The readings, which represent the arguments of leading educators and social
commentators, reflect a variety of viewpoints and have been selected for their liveliness
and substance and because of their value in a debate framework. For each issue, the
editor provides a concise introduction and postscript summary. The introduction sets
the stage for the debate as it is argued in the "yes" and "no" readings, and the postscript
briefly reviews the opposing views and suggests additional readings on the issue
under discussion. For a complete listing of the titles in the collection, search by title,
taking sides clashing views, in the Purdue Libraries’ catalog.
R
808.02
L188t
1998
UGRL
10,000 Ideas for Term Papers, Projects, Reports, and Speeches
Offers a wide range of ideas, categorized by subject and designated by degree of
difficulty. All topics have been tested for ease of research and the amount of
information available.
R--denotes Reference Collection
KEY TO LOCATION CODES
HSSE Humanities, Social Science and Education Library (STEW)
STOR Libraries Storage (HIKS – lower level, Room B849)
UGRL Undergraduate Library (HIKS)
The Web sites listed below represent a sampling of topic ideas available on the World Wide Web. The information is
accurate as of the date of this compilation. However, Web addresses and/or the information contained in them may
change, so please be aware that modifications may have occurred.
Best Information on the Net
http://library.sau.edu/bestinfo/Hot/hotindex.htm
O’Keefe Library at St. Ambrose University offers a collection of Hot Paper Topics which lead to carefully selected websites
for background and research information.
Documents in the News
http://www.lib.umich.edu/govdocs/docnewsnew.html
Identifies issues about government making news headlines and web sources with additional information. Provided by the
Government Documents Center at the University of Michigan.
Government Resources Hot Topics
http://library.louisville.edu/government/news/otherlinks/otherlinks.html
The University of Louisville Libraries provides a list of hot topics which link to government resources and also crossreference related topics.
IDEA Debatabase
http://www.debatabase.org/index.asp
Intended to be used as a starting point, Debatabase contains over 200 topics, each with basic arguments for and against a
controversial proposition. Also provides links to websites and books for further research. Debatabase is produced by the
International Debate Education Association.
Idea Generator
http://www.lib.odu.edu/libassist/idea/index.php
Old Dominion University Libraries has prepared listings of key words and phrases in several broad subject areas to assist
in topic selection. Browse the lists, then explore the ideas and devise a more specific topic.
Public Agenda Issue Guides
http://www.publicagenda.org/issues/issuehome.cfm
A nonpartisan site covering over twenty contemporary issues. Each issue guide lays out key facts and policy options, then
gives a detailed picture of how the public views the issue
Society & Social Issues
http://lii.org/search/file/society
A program of The Library of California, Librarians’ Index to the Internet (lii.org) is a directory of Internet resources selected
and evaluated by librarians. Each topic in Society & Social Issues contains an annotated listing of relevant websites.
U. S. News Briefings
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/briefings/nbhome.htm
Subject-specific web compilations which bring together background information, basic facts, key players, and links to
important documents for topics in the news. New “Briefings” are added weekly.
For additional guidance in selecting a topic idea, consult CORE (http://core.lib.purdue.edu), an interactive tutorial which
presents the fundamental concepts and techniques of information access. Choose the Topic Exploration module for a
discussion of strategies to use in defining a topic.
8/04