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Research Process

Brainstorming Topic Ideas

  • What interests you? Make a list.
  • Scan your textbook for broad topic ideas.
  • Peruse current periodicals and newspapers to see what catches your eye. Periodicals are located in Hewes Library across from the coffee shop.
  • Browse print encyclopedias in Hewes Library. Use the call number list below to browse in a subject area.
  • Search digital encyclopedias for topic keywords and gather background information.
  • Look at "hot topic" databases (see examples at right) that feature articles on current events and controversial issues.
  • Discuss potential topics with your instructor, a librarian or a classmate.

Browse the Shelves by Call Number (How the Library is Organized)

A General works   PB-PH Modern European Languages
B-BJ Philosophy, Psychology   PG Russian Literature
BL-BX Religion   PJ-PM Languages and Lit of Asia, Africa
C Auxiliary Sciences of History   PN, PR, PS, PZ General Literature
D History: General and Old World     English and American Literature
E-F History: America   PQ, part 1 French Literature
G Geography, Anthropology   PQ, part 2 Italian, Spanish, Portuguese Lit
H Social Science   PT, part 1 German Literature
J Political Science   PT, part 2 Dutch and Scandinavian Lit
KD Law of the United Kingdom/Ireland   Q Science
KF Law of the United States   R Medicine
L Education   S Agriculture
M Music   T Technology
N Fine Arts   U Military Science
P-PA General Philology and Linguistics   V Naval Science
  Classical Languages and Lit   Z Bibliography, Library Science

Hot Topic Sources

Browse/Search these Library resources for inspiration