Use the research databases listed here to find articles and other information from sources like newspapers, magazines, and reference materials. See the in-class learning objectives.
Use these resources during the early stages of a research project to help you identify a topic and start gathering background information.
Contains an online library of current event topics; includes viewpoint articles, topic overviews, statistics, primary documents, links to web sites, and full-text magazine and newspaper articles.
Show me how
Provides topical articles, about 15 - 20 pages long, on social issues; articles include an overview, background information, the current situation concerning the issue, an outlook on possible developments, a special focus, chronology of related events, and pro and con section, and an annotated bibliography. Provided by CQ Press.Show me how
Provides information on a wide array of subjects; includes updated reference content with full-text magazines, academic journals, news articles, primary source documents, images, videos, audio files and links to vetted websites.
Credo is an excellent all-around reference database that can provide excellent background information to help get your research started.
Want to see even more databases? Check out our A-Z list where you can see all of our databases and sort them by subject area.
Need an overview of what's available through the CCAC Library? Check out this presentation.
What's the difference? This presentation compares articles from academic journals and magazines.
Ultimately, it’s your responsibility to evaluate the quality of any information before using it it a paper, presentation, or some other project.
As a starting point, consider evaluating the authority, objectivity, and currency of sources. Look at the items below for more details and example questions that you can ask when evaluating sources such as books, articles, and websites.
You can describe a source as being objective if it fairly represents various sides of an argument or issue. A source that promotes or favors one side of an argument can be described as biased or an opinionated work.
An online "works cited" and "reference list" tool for both MLA and APA citation styles. This tool walks students through the process of documenting elements of a citation and allows students to generate MLA and APA bibliographies. Students can create folders and store citations for multiple projects. Provided by NoodleTools. PDF Guide | See our Getting started with Noodletools playlist on YouTube
View our concise MLA Style handout (PDF) and the guide to citing in-text (PDF).
Are you confused about citing sources in research papers? Do you know WHY sources need to be cited? Do you know HOW to cite in your papers? You can find answers to these questions in this StudentLingo workshop now available to CCAC students.
Access the Understanding & Avoiding Plagiarism tutorial from the StudentLingo site at: http://www.studentlingo.com/ccac
| Reference Desk Telephone Numbers | |
|---|---|
| Allegheny | 412-237-2585 |
| Boyce | 724-325-6798 |
| North | 412-369-3602 |
| South | 412-469-6374 |
You're likely to see these librarians at the 1st floor reference desk and around the library. Don't hesitate to ask them questions!
