Make sure you have read all instructions prior to starting this assignment.

• The main purpose of the assignment is to expose you to high quality information resources, resources you can use for the speeches you deliver for this course.

• Develop a topic
• Identify the keyword(s) or main concept(s) in your topic
• Broaden or narrow the scope of your research
• Use library Call Numbers to find information on the shelves of the Meriam Library
• Construct and implement effective search strategies using Boolean logic
• Construct a correct citation using APA citation style

• You need to complete this assignment using either the topic you will be using for your Informative Speech, your Persuasive Speech, or both. See each section for details.
• Use the Meriam Library and the Meriam Library's ReSEARCH Station to complete this assignment.
• Portions of the assignment that require you to make photocopies or printouts are marked with a  and a number.
• BE SURE to mark all printouts/photocopies prominently with the corresponding number and staple them, in order, to the end of this assignment. Note: You should only be stapling 7 printouts to this assignment.

Why?  In order to give an informed speech on a controversial topic, you need to become aware of both sides of the issue. The CQ Researcher is a good resource for this type of speech because it provides background information as well as pros and cons for many current and controversial topics.

Where?  From the ReSEARCH Station select "Databases A - Z." Now select "CQ Researcher" from the C section of the databases listed.

Which Type of Speech?  CQ RESEARCHER is a great source of information for your Persuasive Speech. It would also be good for your Informative Speech.

• Do a search on a topic of interest to you.
  • Having a difficult time selecting a topic? Try selecting the "Browse by Topic" link in the left-hand menu for a list of choices.
  
  
• Choose a title from the search results list that interests you (or from the method you used under "Browse by Topic."
  
  
• For the purposes of this assignment, print out only the first page of the article. ¹ [Note: If you want to use this article as a source for one of your speeches, you should printout the entire article.]
  
  
• Write down the the full title of your article: _____________________
  
  
• What search word(s) did you use to find this article?: __________________
  
  

Why?  You will use the Library Catalog to find books, videos, etc. that are located in the Meriam Library. You can search the Library Catalog by author, title, subject, and keyword.

Where?  Go to the ReSEARCH Station. The Library Catalog is the first choice under the "Search For" menu. Simply click on the phrase "Books, Periodicals, More."

Which Type of Speech?  The Library Catalog is a great source of information for your Informative Speech. It would also be good for your Persuasive Speech.

• When you are happy with the results of a search, print out the first page of the citations you retrieve. ²
  
  
• Now, look through those citations for a book that is located in the the Main Collection and that is not checked out. Circle that title on your printout.

• Print out the Full Record screen. ³
  
  
• Write down the the Call Number of the book:_____________________
  
  
• Write down one Subject heading for this book (listed after "Subjects" in the Full Record):_______________________
  
  
• What search word(s) did you use in Step 2 (above) to find this book?:_______________________

• Make a photocopy of the title page. ⁴
  
  
  • Hint #1: The "Title Page" is not the cover of the book. The "Title Page" is the page inside the cover that contains the Title, Author and Publisher's Name.
    
    
  • Hint #2: Don't panic if the book isn't on the shelf. Simply go to where it should be shelved and use a book that sits before or after where you would have found your book, and make a photocopy of the title page of that book.
    
    

Why?  Use electronic periodical databases to identify magazine, journal, and newspaper articles by topic. Some of these articles will be available in full-text on the computer, some will be located in the library, while others will only be available via Interlibrary Loan.

Using Boolean Operators helps you focus, narrow, or broaden your search results.

Where?  From the ReSEARCH Station select "Databases A - Z ." "Academic Search" is listed after "Not sure where to start?" at the top of the page, and also in the alphabetical list of databases that unfolds down the page.

Which Type of Speech?  Academic Search is a great source of information for your Informative Speech. It would also be good for your Persuasive Speech.

• Scroll down the page until you see a box titled "Publication Type." In this box, select "Periodical."
  
  
• Search the database using a topic you'll be using for your Informative or Persuasive speech. For this search you need to use a search statement that contains at least one Boolean Operator (AND -- OR). Note: You must utilize Boolean Operator(s) for this search. Refer to your notes from the librarian's lecture (or online tutorial) or page 166-167 of your textbook to refresh your memory about Boolean Operators.
  
  
• When you are happy with the results of a search, print out the first page of your results screen. ⁵

•  Print out the full record screen for the article you selected.  ⁶ (Hint: The full record screen is the screen that includes the abstract and or subject terms .)
  
  
• Write down the name of your periodical:
  
  _____________________________
  
  
• Write down the article title:
  
  _____________________________
  
  
• Write down the Boolean Search you typed in that led you to this article:
  
  _____________________
  
  
• Write down one subject heading related to your topic that is listed in the Subject Term field on the full record screen you just printed out:
  
  ______________________________________
  
  

Why?  You are required to cite the sources you use for your speeches. This section will give you practice in using the APA style of citation using the sources you located in Sections 1, 2, and 3.

Where?  There are many places you can go to learn how to use APA citation style, including:

• Your CMST 131 workbook. Look for the handout titled: "Guide to APA Style Basics."
  
  
• If you're online, go to the ReSEARCH Station and select "Citing Sources." Click on the tab for the APA style at the top of the screen.
  
  
• If you're in the library, you can find a copy of Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association at the Reference Desk using this Call Number: BF76.7 P83 2001 (Reference).
  
  

• Your references should be formatted according to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th ed., 2001.
  
  
• Type the references on a separate sheet of paper and turn in with this assignment and the rest of the printouts/photocopies. ⁷

• Be sure to label each of your printouts with the appropriate number and staple them in order to the back of this assignment.
• You should have 7 printouts total.
• Turn in to your TA or instructor.