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Research Guide: Speech Topics

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Getting Started:
Topic: ______________________________________________________________________________
Keywords: _____________________

 ____________________

 ____________________


Resource Information

Research Sources:
  • Encyclopedias:
    -A good place to start is an encyclopedia article.
    -This will help you define your topic and may lead you to related topics.
    		•

  • Britannica Online
  • World Book (Ready Ref AE 5 W6 1997)
    		•
    For example ... Euthanasia:
  • Is what I think the widely accepted definition of Euthanasia?
  • What are active and passive euthanasia and how do they differ?
  • Is self-induced euthanasia the same as suicide?
  • Is physician-assisted euthanasia legal?

  • Magazines and Journals:
    Magazines and journals contain recent information on a topic.
    		•

  • Gen'l Reference Ctr (Magazine Index) is a general interest database that indexes magazines, reference books, pamphlets and newspapers, including The New York Times, for information on current events, popular culture, the arts and sciences, sports, etc. Many of the articles and pamphlets are full-text.
  • Expanded Academic ASAP indexes scholarly journals, magazines and newspapers, including The New York Times. Full-text for many of the articles is provided.
  • OneFile combines nearly all of the InfoTrac periodical indexing, abstracting, and full-text (except for Custom Newspapers) into one database. Search humanities, education, business, science, current events, art, politics, economics, social science, law, health care, computers, technology, environmental issues, and general interest topics.

  • SIRS Knowledge Source DISCUS - South Carolina's Virtual Library
    -Indexes articles from newspapers, magazines, journals, and government publications.
    -Many articles are full-text.
    		•

  • Newspapers:
    Newspapers contain the most recent information on a topic.
    		•

  • InfoTrac Web: Custom Newspapers:DISCUS - South Carolina's Virtual Library
  • New York Times Full-Text (1851-2006)

  • Subject-Specific Databases:

  • ERIC Database (Educator's Reference Desk)
  • Health and Wellness Resource Center (HWRC)
  • PubMed

  • Finding Books and Media:
  • Books will provide you with longer, more complex information about your topic. Note the publication date to be sure the information is current. Use the Keyword search in the Library Catalog.
  • Media can add some current information and interesting visuals. You can arrange to show a blip from a video to emphasize a point in your speech.
    		•

  • Finding Statistics:
    • The right statistics will help support your position on an issue. There are several statistical sources to choose from, including:
    Statistical Abstract of the United States
    South Carolina Statistical Abstract
    World Almanac and Book of Facts
    Crime in the United States
    Statistical Record of Women Worldwide    		 Ready Ref HA 202
    Ref HA 622 A36
    Ready Ref AY 67 N5 W7
    Ref HV 6787 A3
    Ref HQ 1150 S73


  • And now for something completely different:

    • The reference collection contains many titles that are helpful but often overlooked.
    For example:
  • Topic: Euthanasia
  • Topic: Abortion
  • Topics: Smoking or
    Staying out of the Sun)
    		•  Encyclopedia of Death
    Encyclopedia of Aging
    Encyclopedia of Applied Ethics

    The State of Women in the World Atlas
    Summaries of Leading Cases on the Constitution
    Women's Issues
    Women's Studies Encyclopedia

    Merck Manual of Medical Information
    Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide


    Modified: Summer 2001/Tuttle
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    Page last modified by Sarah Hood
    Date: 1/5/09
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    [Edens Library, Columbia South Carolina]