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Library Research Guides

ENGWR 300 - Professor Spurgeon (Fall 2024): Getting Started

Getting Started Library Databases

NOTE:  To login to library resources, you will need your eServices username (w+student ID) and password. 

Gale eBooks

Background Research with Gale eBooks

Gale eBooks is a great databases to start with to gather some background information on your topic and/or as you decide on a topic.  

The most effective way to use this particular databases is to begin with 1-3 keywords.  

EXAMPLE TOPIC: How are algorithms used to train AI models

  • Good search: artificial intelligence 
  • Not so good search: train ai models

If you are unfamiliar with the research process or want to brush up on your skills, check out the Library's Canvas Research Tutorials. The modules on What is Research and Getting Started with Research are great places to start! Each of these tutorials will take 15-30 minutes to complete.

Opposing Viewpoints & CQ Researcher Databases

TIP: Begin your search with 1-3 essential keywords.  

Why these are a good place to start your research

  • You can use Opposing Viewpoints and CQ Researcher to get ideas for a topic or gather background information on your topic for an argument essay. Especially useful if it's a topic that is new to you or unfamiliar to you. You can learn some general information about it before you begin doing more specific or focused research on your topic.
  • Many of the topics you search for will have "Viewpoints" in Opposing Viewpoints which include pro and con arguments on your topic. 

EXAMPLE TOPIC: Fast food has negative impact on children's health and their quality of life. 

  • Good Search: fast food child*
  • Not so good search: children's quality of life  

TIP: The asterisk * will expand your results: child* = child, children