Term Paper Preliminaries

Producing a term paper is a challenge many college students encounter on a regular basis.  It need not be a traumatic experience, especially if you follow an effective research strategy to gather material.  The following sources are excellent starting points for choosing a topic, finding the facts, and formatting your paper.

Sources Useful For Choosing The Topic

• CQ Researcher (periodical)
• Current Controversies (book series)
• Opposing Viewpoints (book series)
• Taking Sides (book series)
• ULC Pathfinders ( click on Pathfinders at QuickLinks on LRC home page)
• Issues and Controversies (electronic database)

Sources Useful For Finding The Facts

• Academic Search Premier
• FirstSearch
• Internet
• NewsBank

Sources Useful For Formatting The Paper

Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA HANDBOOK FOR WRITERS OF RESEARCH PAPERS. 6^TH ED. 2003.  REF LB 2369 G53 2003

Harnack, Andrew. WRITING RESEARCH PAPERS: A STUDENT GUIDE FOR USE WITH OPPOSING VIEWPOINTS. 1994.  LB 2369 H32 1994

Lester, James D. WRITING RESEARCH PAPERS: A COMPLETE GUIDE. 7^TH ED. 1993.  REF LB 2369 L4 1993 (A circulating copy is also available).