Library Resources for English Composition (101)

General Databases

CQ Researcher

The CQ Researcher is an excellent source on the most critical events and controversial subjects of the day. Each of the 44 weekly issues offers a balanced, in-depth analysis of a contemporary topic by a veteran journalist, pro and con arguments by experts, a chronology, and annotated bibliographies to guide additional research. The CQ Researcher reports on important issues in a wide range of areas including social, economic, political, and environmental policy.

Issues and Controversies

Provides up-to-date, in-depth factual information on a broad range of current issues and controversies.

Interdisciplinary Databases

Academic OneFile

Academic OneFile is a source for peer-reviewed, full-text articles from the world's English language journals and reference sources. It has extensive coverage of the physical sciences, technology, medicine, social sciences, the arts, theology, literature and other subjects, & millions of full text articles available in both PDF and HTML.

Academic Search Premier

The world’s largest academic multi-disciplinary database, Academic Search Premier provides full text for nearly 4,650 serials, including full text for more than 3,600 peer-reviewed titles. PDF backfiles to 1975 or further are available for well over one hundred journals, and searchable cited references are provided for more than 1,000 titles.

Reference Books

Taking sides. Clashing views on controversial issues
     Call number: REF H35.T142

This set includes 18 to 20 debates, or issues, per volume that present the pros and cons of many current controversies. Included in each issue is the context and historical background to each debate followed by two opposing viewpoints.

Best Reference Books Online

Abortion: An Eternal Social and Moral Issue (2008)

Provides both sides of the divisive argument surrounding abortion. Also includes information on the number and types of abortions performed in the United States, abortion clinics, teen pregnancy and abortion, views of abortion from around the world, religious thoughts on abortion, and legal rulings pertaining to abortion.

AIDS/HIV (2008)

Includes information on the nature of AIDS/HIV and the AIDS epidemic; symptoms and transmittal; patterns and trends in AIDS/HIV surveillance; populations at risk; children, adolescents, and AIDS/HIV; AIDS/HIV cost and treatment; people living with AIDS/HIV; testing, prevention, and education; HIV and AIDS worldwide; and knowledge, awareness, behavior, and opinion of those affected by AIDS/HIV.

Alcohol and Tobacco: America's Drugs of Choice 2005

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

American Economy 2005

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

American Family: Reflecting a Changing Nation 2005

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

Capital Punishment: Cruel and Unusual? (2008)

Covers the history of capital punishment plus discussions of numerous court cases, legal decisions, and historical statistics. Also includes information about execution methods, minors and the death penalty, public attitudes, and capital punishment around the world.

Careers and Occupations: Looking to the Future (2009)

Examines various trends in careers and occupations in America. Provides the latest information on what Americans do for a living, how much they earn, how they find work, and what factors influence these key issues.

Child Abuse: Betraying a Trust 2005

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

Crime: A Serious American Problem 2004

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

Death and Dying: End-of-Life Controversies (2009)

Examines how Americans deal with death, with a particular focus on the highly charged political and moral issues of living wills, life-sustaining treatments, end-of-life care funding, and physician assisted suicide.

Education: Meeting America's Needs? (2008)

Areas covered include an overview of American education; primary, elementary, and secondary schools; public versus private schooling; special education; education of gifted children; testing and achievement of students; national education goals; and "at-risk" students. Discusses colleges and universities; issues such as home schooling, school choice, and vouchers; trends in teacher supply and demand; and public opinions about education.

Electronic America 2005

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

Encyclopedia of Global Change

Encompassing tsunamis, elephant conservation, ocean pollution, mining regulation, and permafrost melt, the 300 authoritative articles in this unique and wide-ranging encyclopedia investigate all types of phenomena that change life on Earth. The entries cover a range of general research categories: altered ecosystems, climate change, food and water supply, population, politics and global change, institutions and policies, biographies, and case studies.

Endangered Species: Protecting Biodiversity (2009)

Discusses what has been done to protect endangered species in the United States and around the world, and examines the debate over what future actions are warranted.

Energy: Supplies, Sustainability, and Costs 2005

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

Environment: A Revolution in Attitudes (2008)

Examines the steps that have been taken to protect Earth's natural environment and the controversies that surround them.

Gambling: What's at Stake? 2005

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

Garbage and Other Pollution 2004

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

Genetics and Genetic Engineering 2005

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

Growing Old in America (2008)

Explores the current condition of growing old in the United States. Includes the economic status of older people; Medicare and Medicaid; the living arrangements of older adults; working and retirement; and the education levels, voting trends, and political behavior of older Americans. Physical and mental health problems; drug and alcohol abuse; care for seniors; crime; and death and dying are also covered.

Health and Wellness: Illness among Americans (2009)

Examines health and wellness among Americans, including the ways in which illness is currently prevented, identified, and treated. Describes the most common types of chronic, degenerative, genetic, and infectious diseases, as well as the concepts of mental health and illness. Covers both traditional and alternative medicine.

Health Care System 2005

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

Homeless in America: How Could it Happen Here? 2005

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

Illegal Drugs: America's Anguish 2005

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

Immigration and Illegal Aliens: Burden or Blessing? 2005

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

Information Plus Reference Series Fall 2004

The Information Plus(R) Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers, and other sources. This e-book edition covers 10 vital current issues, from Weight in America to Endangered Species. Volumes are completely revised and updated every two years.

Information Plus Reference Series Fall 2005

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

Information Plus Reference Series Spring 2004

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers, and other sources. This e-book edition covers 10 vital current issues, from abortion to youth violence. Volumes are completely revised and updated every two years.

Information Plus Reference Series Spring 2005

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

Mental Health: How Do Americans Cope? 2004

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

Minorities: Race and Ethnicity in America (2009)

Examines the differences between minority groups and white Americans across the economic, political, and social spectrums. Explores the experience of African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian-Americans, and other minority groups living in the United States.

National Security 2005

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

Nutrition and Well-Being A to Z

Examines the relationship between food and health on a historical, national, and personal level. Analyzes how nutrition has affected quality of life, health, and fitness in various countries at different times in history. Looks at the connections between diet and such diseases as beri-beri and scurvy, and the role nutrition plays in conditions such as weight and height increases, diabetes, and obesity. Historical as well as contemporary methods of treatment are presented from an international viewpoint. Also included are biographies of influential figures in the field of nutrition and medicine, dietary trends within various cultures, profiles of major organizations such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization, and much more.

Pop Culture Universe

This database includes more than 250 volumes of reviewed, published material that offer thousands of overviews of pop culture from the 1920's through the present, including TV shows, awards, fads, fashions, and news. Includes images, Decades Pages, Web links and more.

Prisons and Jails: A Deterrent to Crime? 2005

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

Profile of the Nation: An American Portrait 2004

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

Recreation: Leisure in American Society 2005

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

Social Welfare: Help or Hindrance? 2004

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

Space Exploration: Triumphs and Tragedies (2009)

Examines numerous aspects of space exploration. Presents the facts on space exploration's successes and failures, and the questions that surround them.

Sports in America: Recreation, Business, Education, and Controversy (2008)

Explores the role of sports in American society. Covers participation and attendance at sporting events; the sports industry; illegal gambling and performance-enhancing drugs; and student athletes.

St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture

Includes more than 2,700 signed essays ranging from 500 to 2,500 words, written by subject experts and edited to form a consistent, readable, and straightforward reference. Entries include subject-specific bibliographies and, where appropriate, photographs and textual cross-references to related essays.

Violent Relationships: Battering and Abuse Among Adults 2005

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

Water: No Longer Taken for Granted 2005

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

Weight in America: Obesity, Eating Disorders, and Other Health Risks (2009)

Provides information from academic and governmental sources on every aspect of overweight, obesity, and eating disorders, including their prevalence in the United States, their consequences, public opinion about them, and methods of combating them.

Women in American Society (2008)

Explores the lives of women in American society. Includes information on women's demographic trends, educational achievements, employment, financial status, parental responsibilities, political roles, victimization, and health issues.

World Poverty (2009)

Examines the forms that poverty takes around the world, its many causes, the serious negative consequences that it has for individuals and societies, and the effort to eliminate it.

Youth Violence, Crime, and Gangs: Children at Risk 2004

The Information Plus Reference Series compiles all the pertinent data, both current and historical, on a wide variety of contemporary social issues. Designed as ready-reference tools providing key data on social concerns, these books save researchers and students from the cumbersome task of locating the various data in pamphlets, legal journals, congressional reports, newspapers and other sources.

Reference Books Online

Reference Books Online

Complete list of online Reference Books (specialized books, encyclopedias, dictionaries, etc.).