Where can I find information on topics with "for and against" aspects?
My assignment is to choose a controversial topic that people often disagree about or debate. It can be a social issue such as abortion, the death penalty, climate change, illegal immigration, etc., but I need to find library resources to support my position. How can I find these?
Answer
Our Opposing Viewpoints database is specifically designed for researchers who looking for pro and con viewpoints on current issues. You can search for your topic by keyword, or click on "Browse Issues" to see a master list of controversial topics. Opposing Viewpoints contains many types of sources - newspaper, magazine, and academic journal articles; images, audio transcripts, and videos; and "Viewpoint" articles which are reprints or excerpts of articles that were originally published in a print source, then republished in a print book series, and finally reproduced as a database article.
The SIRS Issues Researcher database also has a "Pro & Con" section of topics that will lead you to some useful sources.
Our Multi Subject databases also provide information on many subjects, but are not arranged in a pro and con format. You can access these by choosing "Multi-subject" from the "Subject" drop-down menu on the "Database" page.
You can access these databases on or off campus. When you click a link to an HCC Library database from off-campus, you will be taken to a login page where you need to enter your HCC "W" number (for students) or your first and last names (for faculty/staff) and personal password. Once you've done this and successfully authenticated, you are redirected to the database.