Q. Where can I find articles about a controversial issue like gun control and/or the legalization of marijuana?

Depending on what article type your assignment requires, there are a few ways to find articles on this topic. Our Discovery Catalog searches through a lot of our databases all at once and is found on our library homepage (big main search bar). It can be a good place to start to cast a wide net to see what is available. It will even find items the library doesn't own, but can possibly get via interlibrary loan (ILL) – though you can limit those results out after doing a search to items just held by the TCC Library. ILL is a free service for TCC students and employees. Here is an FAQ that teaches you how to use the catalog.

After doing a search in Discovery, you can limit to the source type you are needing (articles, books, video, etc.) on the left side and even to specific dates. If searching for a peer-reviewed article, you can even limit to that! 

For a list of all of our databases, see the "Articles & Databases" link off the library website.  

• The Issues & Controversies database is a great place to look for articles on topics such as gun control and the legalization of marijuana. Another good one to try is Opposing Viewpoints - Gale in Context.

For tips on how to search in our databases and catalog, we recommend this FAQ. 

If searching on the web, here’s some FAQ that we find helpful to limit to a credible source or help you refine your search:

• Q. How can I get to Google Advanced Search?
  • EXAMPLE: Google Advanced Search for Mother Jones magazine articles on "banned books"
• Q. How do I find .GOV or .EDU or .ORG websites?
  • EXAMPLE: Google Advanced Search on abortion limited to .gov sites
• Q. How can I find an article over a specific topic from a magazine (or other periodical) my instructor has recommended, published within a specific timeframe?
  • EXAMPLE: Google Advanced Search results for NYTs articles on "medically necessary" pregnancy termination 
• Q. Can I access The New York Times online?
  • EXAMPLE: Google Advanced Search for IVF limited to NYTs article results 

If you have trouble locating what you need, you can always book an appointment with a librarian for one-one one research help!