ENGL 102: Davis, L. (Spring 2025)

Using Gale Ebooks for Background Articles

These articles are usually written by subject experts, and as such are good sources of reliable information. Use simple keywords. 

Using CQ Researcher

This database is a great place to identify multiple perspectives on social justice issues.  Every article in this database is written by a professional researcher, and has the same "pieces" (e.g., "Overview," "Pro/Con," "The Next Step," etc.)

To access, click on the link above, or follow these steps:

1. Log into the TCC Portal
2. Locate and click the TCC Library app button
3. Click the "Research Databases" tab
4. Scroll down to CQ Researcher, or click on "C" in the alphabetical horizontal menu

Search Tips

1. Identify a key search term

CQ Researcher works best with simple keywords. You can also browse for reports or topics.

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2. Look at the results of your search

There may not be a report with the exact keyword you typed in, but look for related terms. Also take note of the report's date and the topics listed. Click on the title of the article to open it.

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3. Navigate to reports in CQ

Full reports include a table of contents along the top, where you can jump directly to specific sections. Each top level section also has sub-sections listed on the right side of the screen. Scroll through the whole article or use the links on the left to skip around. "Bibliography" is a good place to find more research.

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4. Look at different sections of the report, like the Pro/Con section

It's often useful or important to look at the pro/con section in the CQ Researcher reports. The pro/con section features both sides of a debate about the topic and includes information about the experts stating their opinions on the topic. The pro/con section focuses on a specific question related to the debate.

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5. Use tools to cite or email

At the top of a full report, there are tool buttons, including shortcuts to "View PDF" (if you need page numbers). The "Cite" button includes citations for APA, MLA, and Chicago citation styles. The "Share" button is to send yourself a link back to the report.

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