1. Gill Library
College of New Rochelle
Research Paper Workshop:
CHOOSING A TOPIC
By
Ana E. Fontoura, MLS, MS
Electronic Resources Librarian

2. CHOOSING A TOPIC
Choose a topic that interests you!
i.e. something that fascinates you, worries you,
is important to you. Remember: if you are not
bored, you’ll take greater interest in reading
and writing about your topic!
Is this topic relevant to the course?
Is this topic researchable?
Is it doable?
Can you find enough information on it?

3. IDEAS FOR TOPICS:
 Topics mentioned in class or suggested by your
instructor
 Topics that are in your textbook
 Browse current issues of journals in the subject
area of your course. (Consult the Journal List at
the Gill Library or ask the Reference Librarian
for titles)
 Consider current topics in the news

4. LIBRARY SOURCES FOR
CHOOSING TOPICS:
 Encyclopedia of Applied Ethics
Ref. Oversize BJ 63 .E44 1998
 CQ Researcher
Ref. Oversize H 35 .E35
Also available online
 Encyclopedia of Bioethics
Ref. Oversize QH 332. E52 1995
 Opposing Viewpoints Series
 Current Controversies Series
 Information Plus

5. LIBRARY ONLINE CATALOG
 Search the library catalog for key series for
topics. Here’s how:
1. Select “Catalog” from the Library homepage
2. Using a Keyword index, type “Opposing
Viewpoints” (or other words for other series)
3. Click “Search”. The list of all books in the
series will be displayed.

6. NARROWING YOUR TOPIC
 Avoid overly broad topics.
 Think of the many aspects of the topic being
considered and its impact on other areas of study.
Then you are ready to select a single aspect or focused
topic to use.
i.e.: DIVORCE is an overly broad topic. Psychological EFFECTS OF
DIVORCE ON CHILDREN is a more focused topic.
i.e.: AIDS is an overly broad topic. TREATMENT methods and AIDS patients
is a more focused search.
HINT: You know your search is overly broad when typing the term in a
periodical database retrieves a huge number of results!

7. BASIC BACKGROUND
INFORMATION SOURCES
If you know little or nothing about your topic, it is useful
to obtain basic background information. Here are
some suggested sources:
CQ Researcher (Ref Oversize H 35 .E35)
Use this excellent source to begin research on current topics.
This weekly publication covers the more current and
controversial issues of the day with complete summaries, insight
into all sides of the issues, bibliographies and more. CQ
Researcher is also available online at the library’s database
webpage. It is listed as CQ Electronic Library (Congressional
Quarterly)

8. BASIC BACKGROUND
INFORMATION SOURCES (cont.)
Information Plus
Obtain the list of Library held items in this series. Follow the
same instructions as “choosing your topic”. Each volume has a
historical and current analysis of the topic as well as detailed
statistics, graphs and charts.
Current Controversies
Obtain the list of Library held items in this series; follow the
same instructions as “choosing your topic”. Book in this series
cover today’s most current national and international issues and
contain the most important opinions of the past and present.

9. BASIC BACKGROUND
INFORMATION SOURCES (cont.)
General Encyclopedias
Use general encyclopedias for an overview of your topic. Try
the following encyclopedias:
* The New Encyclopedia Britannica
(Ref Oversize AE 5 .E363 1997)
* Encyclopedia Americana
(Ref Oversize AE 5 .E333 1994)
General Database
Academic Search Premier

10. BASIC BACKGROUND
INFORMATION SOURCES (cont.)
Narrow the focus by using subject specific encyclopedias.
Some examples of subject specific sources in Reference
are as follows:
* Encyclopedia of Psychology
(Ref Oversize BF 31 .E52 2000)
* Encyclopedia of Religion
(Ref Oversize BL 31 .E46 1986)
* McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology
(Ref Oversize Q 121 .M3 2002)

11. BASIC BACKGROUND
INFORMATION SOURCES (cont.)
HINT: Search the Library Online Catalog to see if there is a subject specific
encyclopedia or specialized dictionary for your topic. If you cannot find one,
consult the Reference Librarian for help with this item. There are many
sources in the Reference Room that may not completely focus on your topic,
but may contain a chapter that is relevant to your research.
 OTHER HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS:
Take a look at the Gill Library’s Internet Resources listed on our homepage.
These sites are arranged by subject. You may find some general information
on your topic in an appropriate website. Always remember to evaluate your
information when searching the web.

12. Next:
Searching the Catalog
Searching the Databases
Thank you for your attention and good luck with your
research!
Slide show created by:
Ana E. Fontoura, MLIS, MS
Electronic Resources Librarian
Gill Library
College of New Rochelle
Updated Nov. 2006