Research Topic Browsing
Not sure what to research? Do some topic browsing in databases designed to give you a broad overview, like encyclopedias, reference books, or those covering current issues and topics. Try doing a simple keyword search on something you are interested in, like global warming, to see what's there. Starting wide, you can find avenues and directions to narrow your topic down based on what you find.
- CQ Researcher This link opens in a new windowProvides in-depth coverage of the most important issues of the day. Full-length articles include an overview, historical background, chronology, pro/con feature, plus resources for additional research.
- Credo Reference This link opens in a new windowFull-text dictionaries/encyclopedias/books on a variety of topics.
- Gale eBooks This link opens in a new windowFull-text almanacs/encyclopedias/books on a variety of topics.
- Opposing Viewpoints This link opens in a new windowFull-text research information in a pro-and-con format on current social topics.
Check the Headlines
Browse the news for research topic ideas. What is being published in the news on field or topic area? Use that to help refine and narrow your topic, and to get keywords to put into your database searches. For example, if you are interested in writing about issues affecting college students, you can look at headlines in the education section of The New York Times to review relevant issues.
- Hazy Library News SourcesAccess to thousands of global newspapers.
- New York Times SubscriptionFree subscription to the New York Times for ERAU students, faculty and staff.
We are Here to Help!
We have so many resources and tools available. Let us show you how to use them!
Research librarians can help you to:
- Choose and narrow your research topic
- Select the best databases and resources
- Discover the best keywords and search techniques
- Stay organized and quickly create citations
- Find and obtain research beyond the Hazy Library's collections
- Locate copyright free images and other media
- Use advanced database tools like setting up research alerts
- And more!
Personal Help
At any point during the research process, the library and librarians are here to help.
Chat with us Monday through Thursday, from 9am to 8pm. Librarians are available from 9am to 5pm on Fridays.
Or fill out our email contact form, and we'll get back to you.
You can also make an appointment so we can sit down with you and give you in-depth help in-person or online.