ENGL 1A Osborne

Guide to English 1A Research

Before you dive into your research, it's helpful to do some background research.

Some good places to find background information:

• Your textbook or class readings
• Encyclopedias and reference books
• Credible websites
• Library databases

Try the library databases below to explore your topic. When you're ready, move on to refining your topic.

Find Background Information:

• Gale eBooks encyclopedias on different topics, including:
  • Encyclopedia of American Law
  • Labor History
  • LGBTQ History
  • Environmental Racism in the United States & Canada
• Opposing Viewpoints  background on controversial issues
  • Try their Browse Issues list if you're having trouble picking a topic.
• Wikipedia  free online encyclopedia
• U.S. Newsstream  free access to major U.S. newspapers
• Pew Research Center   opinion polls and statistics

Company Reports

• Search for a product area in Business Source Premier
• Search for company reports and marketline reports on a particular company
• Identify keywords & NAICS codes relevant to the product area

Newspapers

• Use your keywords to search for a product area  and specific products in U.S. Newsstream

Search Everything

• Use you keywords and NAICS codes to search for additional information in OneSearch

Wikipedia

Search for your company and product. Identify background information & keywords (e.g. beewax wrap, reusable bags, single-use plastic, environment). 

Regulating Agencies

Use the keywords you have identified to look for information on these government websites​:

• Science.gov 
• USGS.gov 
• SaferProducts.gov 
• FoodSafety.gov 

Image of books by Ed Robertson is in the Public Domain, CC0

This guide was adapted with permission from Kennesaw State University Library System