5.5: Searching for popular sources

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Searching in GVRL or Opposing Viewpoints

Searching is easy in these popular source databases: you can construct a search using one or two keywords.

No need to get fancy. Why?

Because you are looking for background information - not specific information.
You want to find an article giving a broad overview of the whole topic.

Tips:

Use one word or phrase (e.g., "bicycle commuting")
Start BIG and BROAD (e.g., search with "bicycle commuting"; do not search with "bicycle commuting in Portland when it rains")
Lots of results? Use the "search within" refining feature:

**"Reading" Gale EBooks/GVRL's search interface**

Screenshot of a Gale record

Notice that each Gale EBooks/GVRL encyclopedia is written from the perspective of a different discipline: one is about social media consumption; the other is about addictive behavior. The encyclopedia title is just one thing to consider when choosing which article to use. Some articles are very short, so they may not be as useful because they are lacking information you need; others are older and you may want more current information.

**"Reading" Opposing Viewpoints' search interface**

Screenshot of Opposing Viewpoints showing a simple search and results

Opposing Viewpoints offers viewpoint essays, which are often fact-based opinion pieces exploring one side of a controversial topic. Authors of these essays come from a variety of backgrounds and sources are not always cited within the essays. Some essays are pure personal opinion! BUT - these essays are a great starting point for learning more about multiple perspectives of issues. Opposing Viewpoints also includes more traditional types of sources, like newspaper and academic journal articles.