Listed below are some hints and recommended resources for locating
materials that support or oppose a particular position pro/con and debate
papers/speeches. Be careful to not limit yourself to only researching one side of an issue.
For example, an article, speech, paper, or report that supports
a particular issue, such as favoring the importation of prescription drugs,
will often also provide you with information that supports an opposing position.
Additionally, to effectively argue one side of an issue it is essential to also be
familiar with the arguments from the other side of the issue; so don't dismiss an
article just because it is not supporting "your" point-of-view.
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SERIES
The Library subscribes to several resources which include both "pro" and "con" positions on topics.
Individual issues in each series will be dedicated to a specific topic. Examples of recent topics are
homeland security, the American family, cybercrime, athletes as role models, consumer culture and free trade.
The volumes of the series are not shelved together; each volume will have a specific call number.
To locate specific issues: Search the series title (for example: "contemporary world issues") as a keyword in
EUREKA to see a list of the individual
titles in each series.
- Congressional Digest
Each issue of this monthly publication is dedicated to one specific topic. Background information
is presented followed by pro/con arguments from a variety of experts. This periodical is
located on 3 North. Individual issues will not be listed in EUREKA, but a list of the last
few years topics is found in the inside back cover of each issue. Also, this journal is available
full text from 1985 in Academic Search Premier (Ebsco)
Contemporary World Issues
Each issue includes articles/essays and primary source material on specific topic. Also
included is a chronology, biographical sketches, a bibliography of abstracts from print and nonprint
sources for additional research.
Current Controversies
Each volume looks at specific controversies about a broader topic. For example, the volume on
Family Violence addresses the question of defining the topic of family violence,
questioning the prevalence of family violence, describing the victims
of family violence, and if specific efforts actually help or hinder the reduction of
family violence.
Includes reprints of articles and excerpts from a variety of sources presented in a
pro/con format. Includes a list
of organizations for further research.
The Information Series on Current Topics
Each volume is on a broad topic with statistics, charts, research, discussions on a variety of
subtopics. There is an emphasis on the presentation of scientific studies and surveys. The most recent
volumes in this series are located in the Reference Collection on 2 North.
Opposing Viewpoints
Each volume includes both primary and secondary sources from a variety of perspectives on a single
topic. Sources include eyewitness reports, scholarly journals, government documents, excerpts from
books, etc. Also includes a list of organizations for further research.
The Reference Shelf
Each issue is on a specific topic and provides background information and discussion from various points
of view and includes editorials, reprints of articles, and excerpts from books. There is also a bibliography
that lists books, web sites, and abstracts of additional articles on the subject.
Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial...
Presented in a pro/con format each volume looks at a broad topic such as "clashing views on political issues."
Within each volume are pro/con readings on issues within the broader topic. Again, for the example
noted above, issues include debates on the electoral college, Bush v. Gore, taxes, immigration, and
America's position as a world leader. Readings come from a variety of sources and points of view.
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