Research Topics

Writing an argument and persuasion essay is a lot easier when you find a topic you are interested in exploring. Many resources are available through the Library Reference Dept. and Online Services.

For example, individual volumes of the Opposing Viewpoints Series can be located with a search in the library catalog at: www.pbcc.edu/llrc

You may also find topics in the online Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Go to the homepage and choose Articles and Databases for a complete list of databases. (If you're Off-Campus, a Panthercard/Library and Pin Number are required). Otherwise, you're ready to start searching.

How easy can it be?

OASIS

OASIS (Online Advancement of Student Information Skills) is a web tutorial on how to locate and evaluate library and internet resources. Try some of the games and assignments to grow in self-directed learning.

Anyone can access OASIS through the PantherWeb/Blackboard server. To log-in, enter the word "visitor" in the text boxes for ID and Password.

http://epbcc.pbcc.edu/webct/entryPageIns.dowebct

Beyond Google: The Invisible Web

Many opportunities to find information on the Internet are unexplored because the "Invisible Web" requires deeper knowledge. Follow some of the lines:

PBCC Databases:
Large, regularly updated file of digitized information organized by subject, format and scope. Most databases in libraries are periodical indexes and full-text reference resources by subscription. Use your Panthercard/Library# and PIN for access. For Help ask a librarian.
Examples: Lexis-Nexis, Jstor, and Academic Search Premier

Internet Search Directories:
Online service that indexes publicly accessible web sites and other Internet resources by subject. Examples: Librarians Index to the Internet http://www.lii.org/
Dictionaries, calculators, calendars, zip codes, phone books, encyclopedias, quotations, statistics and world records, etc. Very selective.

Digital Libraries:
A library in which much of the content is accessible by means of computers. Much primary source material, i.e. vocal scores, sheet music, photographes, paintings, diaries, interviews, letters. Examples:
California Digital Library http://www.cdlib.org/
New York Public Library www.nypl.org/digital
Library of Congress www.memory.loc.gov/ammem
OAIster http://www.oaister.org/
National Science Digital Library http://www.nsdl.org/

Portals:
Web sites that offer services within a particular industry, occupation or field. Examples:
http://www.science.gov/
http://www.firstgov.gov/

Specialized Databases:
Databases with “free” access.
Examples:
http://www.gpoaccess.gov/
http://www.findlaw.com/
http://www.medlineplus.gov/

Prepared by: Connie Tuisku

Research Guides

Many statistical sources are located at the Lake Worth Campus Library in Reference. In addition to print sources, statistics are available in electronic format. This research guide offers selected statistical sources in electronic and print formats that will be useful in your research.

STATISTICAL SOURCES

REFERENCE BOOKS
Florida Statistical Abstract REF Desk HA311 .F55 Annual
Social, economic and political statistics complied by county, cities, MSA’s and planning districts.

Statistical Abstract of the United States REF Desk HA 202.U5a Annual
Contains a selection of data from many government and private statistical publications.

Statistical Abstract of the World REF Desk HA 154.S83 Annual
Profiles UN member nations as a comprehensive source for international statistics.

Value of the Dollar: Prices and Incomes in the United States 1860-2004 REF HB235 .U6 V35 2004
Actual prices of thousands of items that consumers purchased from Civil War to 2004.

Vital Statistics of the United States REF HA203 .V58 2006
Life expectancy, deaths and selected health data; tables for birth, mortality, health, marriage.

World Almanac and Book of Facts REF Desk AY 67.N5 W7 Annual
Statistical tables from many primary sources; wide coverage including census, labor, education, justice.

EBOOKS (Library/Panthercard to Access)

Business Statistics of the United States (eBooks) i.e. income distribution and poverty; consumer income and spending; savings and investments; foreign trade and finance.
County and City Extra: Annual Metro, City, and County Data Book (eBooks) Up-to-date statistical information for every state, county, metropolitan area and Congressional District with a population of 25,000 or more.
Handbook of U.S. Labor Statistics (eBooks) Employment, earnings, prices, productivity and other labor data.

INTERNET
FedStats
http://www.fedstats.gov.
Official statistical information produced by the Federal Goverment.; A-Z index or subject access.

Statistical Resources on the Web (University of Michigan Library)
http://www.lib.umich.edu/govdocs/stats.html
Provided by the University of Michigan Documents Center; the site includes links to numerous worldwide statistical Web resources organized by topic.

United Nations Statistics Division
http://unstats.un.org/unsd/databases.htm
Lists both subscriber and unrestricted access; and links to national/international statistics.