The purpose of this course research guide is to acquaint you with some of the resources in the University Library and on the World Wide Web useful for doing research on your topic. Should you have questions, stop by the Reference Desk on the first floor. You may also call the Reference Desk at (334) 229-4110 during the hours the Library is open.

Reference Sources

Sources in the Library's Reference Collection and similar sources online can help you find brief factual information quickly. Ask for assistance at the Reference Desk for finding reference books appropriate for your topic. These books must be used in the Library. Also explore the sources listed below.

CQ Researcher

Each CQ Researcher (ASU) report focuses on a single topic related to social, economic, political, health, or environmental issues. They provide a chronological overview and detail recent developments and opposing viewpoints. Each includes a bibliography that can lead you to other sources of information on your topic.

Public Opinion Polls

• The Gallup Poll: Public Opinion, 1935-1971
  Main Reference: HN90.P8 G3
• Gallup Poll Monthly
  Serials - 3rd floor
  online - includes some free information
• PollingReport.com
• Public Agenda Online
• Roper Center for Public Opinion Research
  also available in the Reference section of Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe

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Journal, Magazine, & Newspaper Articles

The best method for finding articles is to use one of the Library's online article databases. These are easily accessible in the residence halls and off campus by clicking on the database name and typing in the information requested. If you need additional assistance with accessing the databases, contact Cedric Davis (334 229-6998) or Randy Curtis (334 229-5604).

Journal & Magazine Articles

• Academic Search Premier (ASU)
• Communication and Mass Media Complete (ASU)
• InfoTrac OneFile (ASU)
• Expanded Academic ASAP (ASU)
• FirstSearch (ASU)
• Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe (ASU)
• MasterFILE Premier (ASU)
• Databases listed by subject (ASU)

Newspaper Articles

• Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe (ASU)
• Newspaper Source (ASU)
• ProQuest Newspapers (ASU)

Not all of our databases provide access to the entire text of articles. If the text of an article is not available in a database, consult the following sources:

• Serials Solutions (ASU) - to determine if the article is available in another online database.
• HORNetCat - lists journals, magazines, and newspapers to which the Library subscribes. These publications are housed in the Serials Department on the third floor.
• Interlibrary Loan - order those articles not available in the Library or via a full-text database.

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Government Information

Federal and state governments publish a plethora of information on many topics. Although the University Library is not a depository for government documents, you can request documents through Interlibrary Loan. You may also visit the Library at Auburn University Montgomery, which is a depository.

Federal Government Information

• United States Government Manual
  Main Reference Desk: JK 421 .A3
  online
• GPO Monthly Catalog (ASU) - click on GPO at the Advanced Search box
• GPO Access

Alabama Government Information

• Alabama.gov

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Books

Books can provide an in-depth discussion of your topic.

• HORNetCat
• netLibrary (ASU)

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World Wide Web

The World Wide Web is an outstanding but often bewildering source of information. Not everything you find will be authoritative, accurate, and valid. Try searching one of these to find more reliable Web sites.

• INFOMINE Scholarly Internet Resource Collections
• Librarians' Index to the Internet
• Scout Report Archives