John Spellman Library and Media Center

Finding Topics for Papers and Speeches:

Having a hard time deciding on a topic for writing a paper or giving a speech? There are several print and electronic sources available in the library to help you choose. In addition to supplying good topical ideas, they also give background information, statistics, and bibliographies for finding further information.

Browsing for Topics using the Library's Web Site:

Grays Harbor College Library subscribes to SIRS Knowledge Source. You can access SIRS from any computer connected to the Internet. (If you are not using one of the Grays Harbor College computers you will need to login with your student identification number (SID). Here's how to access SIRS.

• From the Library's webpage select the tab labeled "Search for Information"
• Select SIRS from the alphabetical list.
• On the right hand side of the screen there is a box of "Top 10 Pro vs. Con Leading Issues".
• Select from the ones displayed or choose "More Issues..." for a very extensive list of choices!
• Each of these topics includes an overview, analysis and the Pro & Con of the topic.
• They have already done a search for articles to get you started and have additional suggested keywords to use.

Once you have a topic, you can use Academic Search Premier and ProQuest to find additional journal articles!

Here are a few print sources to get you started:

• Contemporary Issues
• Contemporary World Issues
• Current Controversies
• Ideas in Conflict
• Opposing Viewpoints
• Reference Shelf

Each of these is a series of books covering numerous issues. To find and use these title:

• Select the Library Catalog from the library's homepage.
• Do a Title Search for the series title ( such as : Opposing Viewpoints ).
• Each book in the series has its own individual title. Browse the list for one of interest.
• In order to find the book in the library, make note of the call number and status.

Still not sure? Want another option for finding ideas? Try this book:

• 10,000 Ideas for Term Papers, Projects, Reports and Speeches

This book covers a wide range of topics. They are categorized by subject and are designated by degree of difficulty. It does not provide any information about the topics.

You can find this book on the shelf at 808.02 LAMM. There are several copies available for check out. You can also find a copy on the reference shelves at R 808.02 LAMM.

Don't forget, you can talk to a Librarian at any point in the process and we will keep you on track to a great paper.

Grays Harbor College 1620 Edward P. Smith Drive, Aberdeen, WA. 98520 (360)538-4050 (800)562-4830