COMM 1000

Use the What's in This Guide box on the left or the pull-down tabs above for further information on databases, topics, citations and more. Remember, you can always get help at the Reference Desk by clicking on the Chat Button on the right or contacting me for individualized help. 

Understanding the assignment may help
direct you to the right type of resources.

• Do you need to inform someone of an event, a process or an idea?
  • You'll need to look for material that is accurate and may offer both sides of an issue rather than an opinion piece. CQ Researcher explores hot social topics in depth and attempts to present the issue objectively. If your topic does not involve social issues, try a general database like one the ones listed in the Informative Speeches box on the Articles, Newpapers & Websites page on this guide.

• Do you need to persuade someone to a viewpoint, an idea, to take action or to buy something?
  • Look for opinion pieces like editorials or articles that may be accurate but presented with an editorial bias. Opposing Viewpoints in Context might be a place to start. There are more databases listed in the Persuasive Speeches box; or, search for Statistics & Public Opinion Data to help support your argument.

• Do you need more informal popular material or extremely formal refereed material?
  • For popular material look for databases that contain more newsstand type publications -- Masterfile Premier or GeneralOneFile. Again, these sources and others are listed in the Informative Speeches box on the Articles, Newpapers & Websites page.
  • Newspaper resources like Access World News or Lexis Nexis Academic contain both popular articles and opinion pieces like editorials and letters to the editor. Investigate the Newspaper Sources page for more choices.
  • For more scholarly or subject specific databases check out the Databases by Subject page available to you through the AU Libraries home page.
  
  
• Do you need images for a visual aid?
  • Utilize the databases, links, and guides in the Images box to find the perfect image for your presention.