Use these databases for one-stop-shopping to find everything you need for reports on frequently assigned topics as well as hot stories in the news.
CQ Researcher – CQ has already done the research and created balanced reports showing both sides of controversial issues from animal rights and factory farms to Iraq and foreign policy. CQ includes bibliographies for further research, and a citation generator for your bibliography or end notes.
CQ Weekly - Here’s a complete source for expert up to the minute coverage of the U.S. Congress: status of bills, votes and amendments, floor and committee activity, and backroom maneuvering produced by the largest news team on Capitol Hill.
Newsbank Special Reports – Features topics in the news from the environment to the arts. Just click on a subject to see recent articles from the news. Newsbank has already done the searching for you.
Points of View Reference Center
This database, perfect for students doing persuasive speeches or position papers, provides 200 topics, each with an overview (objective background/description), point (argument) and counterpoint (opposing argument). Also included is the Video Encyclopedia of the 20th Century, providing students with a searchable video collection of some of the most important social, political, and cultural moments of the 20th century.
Premium Search Databases Choose the database or choose the topic that you want, enter your St. Charles Library card number (the barcode number on the back of card) and PIN number. Do not use any spaces or dashes. From within the Library, the databases are available at the ELR computers. Questions? See Database FAQs
Subject Guides
These links have been selected by the Reference Librarians to steer you to reliable, substantive, frequently requested information. Article databases, catalog, reference books, web sites - organized by topic.
eBooks Research, reference, reading materials online. 16,000 electronic
versions of printed books. Includes Cliff Notes.
FirstSearch collection Don't have your library card? Illinois residents can access a smaller collection of databases that will give you the answers you're looking for. All you need is an authorization and password. Call the Information Services desk at 630-584-0076 ext. 1, or after hours, call our Nite Owl Service at 630-584-4564.
Internet Detective - a free online tutorial that will help you develop Internet research skills for your school work. The tutorial looks at the critical thinking required when using the Internet for research and offers practical advice on evaluating the quality of web sites.