You have access to four collections through the Library that are each designed to help students research and write about contemporary controversies (arguable issues). Each collection includes essays that clearly identify where an author stands on an issue and what point-of-view she or he represents. These pieces are counterbalanced by facts and other materials from a variety of news and reference sources as well as essays by those representing opposing views.
Up-to-date reports on “hot” topic issues (like gun control and immigration). Definitions and chronologies are clear and easy to understand. Pro/con essays and statistics often are included with the reports.
International approach to news and current issues from multiple international sources.
Includes news, viewpoints, background and country information, videos, statistics, biographies, podcasts, and links to relevant websites. Citations provided.
Get an overview of your issue. Read the “Pro” and “Con” positions in Viewpoints to support your research. Many topics are covered. Articles and essays include newspaper and magazine articles, statistics, maps, videos, history and more. Easy to navigate. Citations provided.
There are three main types of articles, listed in the table below:
| Features | Scholarly Journal Articles |
Magazine Articles | Newspaper Articles |
| Examples | JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association)  |
Time, Newsweek, People |
The New York Times,
|
| Who writes the articles in these publications? | Experts in the field, such as professionals, scientists, and doctors | Mostly journalists | Journalists or reporters |
| Who reads these publications? | Other experts in the field or students like you that are doing research | Everyone! | Everyone! |
|
Who decides if the articles are good enough to be published? |
Articles are reviewed by other experts (peers) in the field to make sure the content is accurate and the research methods are sound. This is called the peer-review process. |
Editors for the magazine review the articles. These editors are professional writers, but are not necessarily experts on the topic being written about. |
Editors for the newspaper |
| What kind of style are they written in? | Written with a lot of big words and technical terminology. Primarily written to educate the reader about new research findings. | Written for the general public so has lots of pictures, photographs, and everyday words. Written in an entertaining way. | Written for the general public |
