This document provides guidance on using various library databases and resources to research topics at Berkeley College. It highlights ProQuest Central, CQ Researcher, and Opposing Viewpoints as starting points, noting quick tips for using each. ProQuest Central allows basic or narrowed searches and ensures full-text results. CQ Researcher contains in-depth reports on topics rather than articles. Opposing Viewpoints allows browsing or searching issues. The document instructs students to download a research log, explore two of the mentioned databases plus relevant websites, and post any research questions to the discussion board.

1. Library Resources to Support
Your Research Topic
Kelly Bennett
Reference & Instruction Librarian
kelly-bennett@berkeleycollege.edu

2. Using Databases
Always log in
through Blackboard
first.
Click the Library tab.
Select Databases
from the Research
& Explore drop-
down.

3. If you know the name of
the database you want
to use, you can click on
the A-Z List.

4. You can also use CQ
Researcher or Opposing
Viewpoints as starting points.

5. Quick notes on ProQuest Central:
• Do a basic search using the main search box.
• Always make sure full-text is checked.
• Narrow your search as needed.

6. There are many ways to
narrow your search.
Explore these.

7. Quick notes on CQ
Researcher:
• Use the keyword search
box or browse topics.
• CQ provides access to
reports, not articles.
• These reports are
comprehensive, giving
you in depth information
about a given
topic/question.
• Be careful of the dates.
Some reports are on the
older side.

8. Click to view an in-
depth report on the
issue with an overview,
timeline, background,
statistics, figures, etc.
Be careful!
15 years is a
bit old for this
type of report.

9. Quick notes on Opposing Viewpoints:
• You can search in the box with keywords
• Or browse the issues…
• There are many issues! See if you find
one that relates to your topic.

10. Browse all the issues, or select a
category to narrow your search.

11. OK, now what?
1. Download the Research Log Worksheet first and complete is as you work
on your research.
2. Explore two of the databases mentioned in this PowerPoint.
ProQuest Central
Opposing Viewpoints in Context
CQ Researcher
3. Do a web search and explore websites related to your issue.
What is the domain (.gov, .edu, .com, .org, etc.)?
Do they seem reliable?
4. Post in the discussion board any questions or concerns you may have
about doing research. Respond to your classmates and librarian’s comments.