Do-It-Yourself Library: Possible Topics

Before beginning more in-depth research, it's often helpful to get an overview of your topic through background research. This can help you develop a more effective research question and brainstorm better search terms.

• Your instructor understands your assignment and can provide advice about the topic and how to frame it.
• Ask a Librarian! We're available in person, via virtual chat, via appointment (both in-person and virtual), email, and phone (when the library is open).
• Subject Encyclopedias and other reference resources can help you develop your topic and identify key search terms. They contain short topic overviews and scholarly references. 
• If there are journals related to the general area you are studying, look through recent tables of contents for ideas and background information on possible topics. You can browse eJournals by subject here.
• Get more ideas for reference books for background research by checking out NWACC Library's Subject Guides here. 

 Here are a few useful databases for exploring potential topics:

• Credo Reference- Topics connect users to real-time results from library-selected resources. 

• Opposing Viewpoints in Context - Controversial contemporary topic summaries and overviews of current issues. 

• Access Science - Full text science and technology encyclopedia covering all major scientific disciplines. 

• Gale eBooks- Full text encyclopedias and reference books in all disciplines.