Finding Sierra College Library materials on
Controversial Topics
Finding a Book
We carry books from several series dedicated to covering both sides of
controversial topics. Using the WebVoyage online library catalog, do a Keyword
Relevance search. Enter one of these series titles (surrounded by quotes), a
space, and your topic:
Current Controversies
At Issue
Taking Sides
Opposing Viewpoints
Sample keyword search: “at issue” cloning
Using Research Databases
CQ Researcher
Congressional Quarterly Researcher provides comprehensive reporting and
analysis on issues in the news. Use the Quick Search box.
To narrow your topic, use the link to Browse by Topic.
 Browsing through the links from broader to narrower topics will help you
focus your search.
 Most of the reports have a section titled Pros and Cons. You can limit your
search to this section by choosing it under Advanced Search.
Sample search: iraq war
Page down to see the Pros and Cons section.
ProQuest
Once you have narrowed your topic, you can find specific examples in support of
either side in ProQuest online magazine index. This is not a good place to start,
but is a fine place to finish your research.
Sample search: (pro OR con OR controvers*) AND cloning
Facts.com
 Our access to Facts.com is pre-set to their Issues & Controversies
database.
 Also check out the new button called “Need a research topic?”
 Issues & Controversies often covers multiple aspects of controversial
issues through several articles. Looking at the clusters of related articles,
you can gain a comprehensive picture of the issue and find ideas for
research topics.
Following are themes found in Facts.com’s Issues & Controversies. Links are provided to the
articles related to these themes.
Abortion and Fetal Rights
Advertising in America
AIDS and Disease Control
Alcohol and Tobacco Issues
Animals and Animal Rights
Antiterrorism
Antiterrorism and Civil Liberties
Celebrities in Society
Censorship
Church-State Separation
Combating Illegal Drugs
Crime and Punishment
Developing Countries and Poverty
Diet and Nutrition
Education Issues
Education Issues: College
Elections and Voting
Energy Policy
Families and Marriage
Federal Judiciary
Gay Rights
Government Regulation
Gun Control
Health Care in the U.S.
Immigration Issues
Intelligence Gathering
International Cooperation
Internet Issues
Iraq Policy
Land and Water Use
Law and Lawsuits
Medical Ethics
Mental Health
Middle East Policy
Military Intervention
Native American Policy
News Coverage Issues
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Police Pursuit and Procedures
Politics and the Presidency
Pollution and the Environment
Population Growth and Control
Poverty in the U.S.
Prescription Drugs
Prison Issues
Privacy and Technology
Race in the U.S.
Religion and Morality in Schools
Space Exploration
Sports in Society
States' Rights
Students' Rights
Taxes and Tax Reform
Television Content
Trade and Sanctions
United Nations
War Crimes
Weapons of Mass Destruction
Women's Issues
Workplace Concerns
Youth Issues
See also: Bill of Rights
DWS, 3/2006