Tips for Selecting a Topic
- Select a topic that you find interesting on a personal level.
- Select a topic for which you can find a managable amount of information.
Topic Focus
| Topic Focus | Example |
| Too broad =Too much information | the environment |
| Too narrow =Not enough information | the effects of burn restrictions on air quality in Logan, UT in 2003 |
| Just right = Manageable amount of information | the effects of federal regulations on air quality in major United States cities |
Connecting from Off Campus
You can access nearly all of the library databases, e-journals, and electronic books from anywhere in the world. But you need to first "prove" that you are affiliated with Utah State by connecting to the university's VPN.
If you skip this step, you will NOT be able to connect to library resources from off campus.
Find directions for setting up the VPN from the link below.
Resources to help you select a topic:
CQ Researcher: Good background articles on political and public policy topics. You can browse the topic list or index to find ideas for a topic.
Look under "C" in Electronic Resources and Databases.
More Resources to Help You Select a Topic
- Current Controversies: A series of books that covers current political and social controversies. Access the Library Online Catalog (click Library Catalog in the upper left corner of the library home page) and search for "current controversies" in the Series field.
- Opposing Viewpoints: Another series of books, similar to Current Controversies. Do an alphabetical search in the Online Catalog for "opposing viewpoints" in the Series field.
- Browse through current magazines and newspapers for ideas about recent events. These can be found on the second floor of Merrill-Cazier Library or at the following websites (some may require free registration):
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