This document provides guidance for researching a current event topic by first choosing and refining a topic, then gaining a foundational understanding through general sources like Wikipedia and government websites. It recommends analyzing the topic from different perspectives using opposing viewpoints databases, reputable news sources, and think tanks. The document concludes by listing ways to contact the reference desk for additional research help, including phone, email, chat, and social media.
4. Gain a Foundation
Search for general information and gain a foundation of
knowledge.
Wikipedia (Don’t Cite-Glean & chase footnotes)
Encyclopedia Britannica Academic Edition (AVL)
OneSearch
Research starter
Government Documents
USA.gov
CIA.gov
Congress.gov (primary legislation & arguments from policy makers)
5. Analyze & Gather
Once informed access articles that analyze the event
from different perspectives.
Opposing Viewpoints Database
Great place for news and analysis of current events
Argues both sides of the event (Don’t read until you have a
foundation)
New York Times, Washington Post, and more
Be careful! There is a lot of crap
Think Tanks
RAND: http://www.rand.org/
Brookings: http://www.brookings.edu/
6. Contact
Contact the reference desk
in person, phone, chat, email, etc.
Call us: (256)824-6529
Text us: (256) 286-2368
Chat with us: http://libanswers.uah.edu/
https://twitter.com/uahlibrary
https://www.facebook.com/uahlibrary
Seth Porter: Instructional & Reference Librarian: 256.824.6130
smp0024@uah.edu