Topic Ideas

Just getting started with ideas or need ways to develop your topic?

• Roam the shelves in the library. Books are categorized by the Library of Congress Classification system (LC chart), a subject-based alpha-numeric convention. In the reference section of the library you'll find:
  
  • Encyclopedias cover the entire range of human knowledge in brief. A search for a basic concept recalls every mention of that concept in the encyclopedia, indicating different contexts for it and some of the fields of study that have explored it.
  • Subject specific encyclopedias cover the knowledge base of a single discipline in brief. A search here can familiarize you with some of the different contexts within which your topic has been discussed in a discipline. Reference materials cannot be checked out of the library, but you are welcome to make photocopies or take notes.

• Your textbook introduces a topic to non-specialists and generally includes a bibliography of books and articles consulted.

• Browse topics in a library database:
  •  CQ Researcher has a "hot topics" section at the far right on the homepage.
  •  Opposing Viewpoints categorizes their topics by subject overview at the homepage.
• Refine your topic by using ProQuest Thesaurus. A very user-friendly way to gather other terminology related to your topic.  

       Although very user-friendly, here is a brief YouTube video demonstration on using the ProQuest Thesaurus. 

• Choose the best web search for your particular information need...way beyond Google!
• Government Information: Scan by topic to find government information and services on USA.gov.