Writing Research Papers 

The first two sites below allow you to enter information about each reference in your paper and they will transform that reference into APA or MLA format. You can then copy and paste that into your paper. We also have the official APA manuals in the library as well as several handouts.

Also, remember that Word07 can format references using APA, MLA and other styles. When you need to enter a reference into your paper, click on "references" at the top, enter the citation style and click insert citation. It will then create an "in text" citation. It will also create a bibliograpy at the end of your paper. If you don't have Word07, an excellent substitute is bibme (see below).

Finding and Researching a Topic

Finding a good topic is very important. Spend some time here exploring.

• Consider interesting topics in your field of study
• Consider interesting hobbies or things you like to do
• Ask your family or friends
•  Consult your teacher. Is there a list of suggested topics?
•  What makes a good topic?
•         something that interests you
•         something where much information is available
•         something that others would be interested in
• Think of other words that describe your topic and use these in the databases you search

If you are in the library, you can use the vertical file list posted here or on the vertical file cabinets near the windows. We have current information under each of these topics.

The library also has several series of books dealing with many different topics. To find a list of the titles under each series, enter the series name below in the search box provided. These include: 

• At Issue (gives wide range of opinions on individual social issues, such as teen smoking, child pornography, club drugs, many more 
• Opposing Viewpoints--gives pro and con opinions on major issues such as endangered oceans, child absue, cybercrime, and hundreds more
• Global Viewpoints-explores global issues such as climate change, immigration
• Writing the Critical Essay - in addition to exploring particular subjects, this series also explains how to write types of essays, such as expository, persuasive, descriptive, and narrative
  

If you are at home or in the library, you may also search the databases below which will give you an overview of each topic and allow you to explore the topic further.

• Issues & Controversies (online or in the library).  This database covers over 800 current and continuing issues in the news. If accessing from off-campus, get password from the library.  Look here for a list of research topics. 
  
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•  Magill's Medical Guide (online or in the library). This guide covers all medical topics, including diseases, conditions, mental diseases, health information issues, etc. It gives concise articles on each topic and suggested further sources.   If accessing from off-campus, get password from the library.  You may also browse a a list of medical topics.  We also have other medical databases.
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• Directories. We also recommend using directories, which are websites recommended by librarians and others and are arranged by categories. The best of these are Open Directory and Internet Public Library.  You can also just enter your search term in Google or other search engines followed by "web directory".
  

Narrow your topic

•     Determine a more focused topic.
•     Can you state the topic as a question?
•     Do you have too much or too little information. A good rule of thumb is at least 1 reference citation for each page of your paper

In depth research  Once you know something about your topic,  explore it further

•      Kaplan Online Library (articles)--- full text, password is needed. Begin with the database Academic Search Premier or use Super Search.
  
• For an excellent description of databases in general and the Kaplan Online Library, see this article by Jason Bengston.
  
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•     Kaplan Online Library of electronic Books (Netlibrary) ---63,000 digital books full text, password is needed which is  available from library. 
  
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•     Google Search using advanced search. Get much more authoritative information using these techniques for searching Google.