Library Guides: COMP-303 Critical Reading and Writing: Reference Resources

About Reference Resources

Reference Resources provide authoritative and concise information to give you ideas and background information on a topic. Some reference databases include coverage of contemporary issues and topics, while others may present both sides of controversial issues.

Reference Resources

CQ Researcher
In-depth, non-biased and authoritative coverage of hundreds of social and cultural "hot topics" in all subjects, including many career fields.
Provides in-depth coverage of current issues related to health, social trends, criminal justice, international affairs, education, the environment, technology, and the economy.
More database information from CQ Press.
Credo Reference
Ebook reference titles emphasizing all key disciplines; includes images, encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, and handbooks.
How to run a Basic search on Credo
How to use the Mind Map on Credo
Gale eBooks
Specialized encyclopedias and reference books.
Various subject encyclopedias covering multiple disciplines.

Pew Research
Numbers, facts, and trends shaping the world

Points of View Reference Center
Covers current, controversial topics with multiple sides supported, including ethical issues.
Provides essays that present multiple sides of current issues, each with an overview (objective background/description), point (argument), counterpoint (opposing argument), and a Guide to Critical Analysis.
ProCon.org
"Our Mission: Promoting critical thinking, education, and informed citizenship by representing controversial issues in a straightforward, nonpartisan, and primarily pro-con format." (Taken from "About Us" on website).

Browse Current Issues of a Journal

Journal Finder +
A finding tool for journals and other publications by title (i.e. journal titles, not article titles), by subject, by publisher, or by ISSN/ISBN.
Overview tutorial on how to use Journal Finder + (Publication Finder)

Use Journal Finder+ to search, then browse, the selected titles below.

Journal of Future Studies
Journal of Religion & Popular Culture