Speech Issues

SAMPLE TOPIC:Schools Should Install Metal Detectors to Prevent Violence

• Issues and Controversies on File - REF D 410 .I88 @ 3rd floor Reference Desk
  (also in the Facts.com database)
• 10,000 Ideas for Term Papers, Projects, and Reports - REF LB1047.3 .L35 @ 3rd Floor Reference Desk
• Hot Topics: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about the Fifty Major Controversies . . . - REF HN59.2 .S7 @ 3rd Floor Reference Desk

For specialized research topics, consult a librarian for resources that include your subject area.

Choose Key Words

These words are the main concepts of your topic statement. Before you begin looking for information, select up to 3 key words to begin your research. To save time, generate a list of related key words to use for back up information searches.

Example:
PRIMARY SUBJECT: school violence
KEY WORDS: metal detectors, guns, schools, violence
RELATED WORDS: firearms, safety, shootings, students

Search for books, government documents, etc.

Online Catalog in library or on the web.

• Select Subject Words option from menu
• Enter search terms for your topic
  Example: school violence

Locate items related to your topic in the catalog

• Determine which library owns them
• Locate NHC items in the library or request items from other libraries using your library card number

NOTE: Check for additional books on your topic that may be available through netLibrary.

Search for periodical articles in magazines, newspapers, etc.

ProQuest - (includes Houston Chronicle) on and off-campus computers via the Web

• Enter key words for your topic separated by "and" Example: schools and metal detectors

InfoTrac Custom Newspapers - (includes Texas & national newspapers) on and off campus.

• Enter key words for your topic separated by "and" Example: schools and metal detectors

NOTE: Search one of the other periodical databases available via the current topics database list to locate other articles on your topic.

Search for Web pages

Google search engine

• Include all words in search by putting spaces between words - assumes "and" between words
• Put quotation marks around phrases
  Example: schools violence "metal detectors"

NOTE: The library's Controversial Topics Resource Guide and Specific Controversial Topics pages feature selected Web sites on current issues. Also find statistics or use the Google Image Search to locate photographs or graphics on the Web.

Books, television programs, Web pages, and friends don't always provide 100% factual information. Review information sources for reliability, purpose, balance, currency, and coverage using the questions provided on the Evaluating Information Checklist Guidelines and/or Evaluating Information Checklist.

Cite Sources

Keep a running list of information sources used while you research. Review links on the Citing Sources Page to put your sources in the format requested by your instructor.

Communicate Information

Locate speech help on the Web at the following sites:

• Speech Anxiety: Tame the Extra Energy from Ron St. John, Instructor of Communication at Maui Community College (HI)

• Bartleby.com Reference (includes dictionary, encyclopedia, thesauri, quotation collections, word usage, etc.)
• Elements of Style (classic composition guide)
• Information Please (includes almanac, dictionary, & encyclopedia)

If you need additional help, please feel free to contact a librarian during open hours.

Or call us at: 281-618-5707. Our email is nhc.libweb@LoneStar.edu