SPC 2601 Public Speaking
(Fall 2005)
Rachael Cathcart, Reference Librarian
http://www.fau.edu/library/

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR OFF-CAMPUS USERS:

* E-Z Proxy is necessary to access databases and electronic journals from off-campus locations *

Your Goal: To become familiar with library resources related to public speaking.

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Books - public speaking and speeches

Use the Catalog to help you locate books on your topic.

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PLEASE READ
* Remember this about Electronic Resources *
NOT EVERYTHING IS AVAILABLE ONLINE OR FULL-TEXT!
This is why we still have books, hard copies of journals, etc. in the library.
Don't be afraid to use one of the print resources we have in the reference area.
It's amazing how much information you can find in an electronic database.
But, it's even more amazing when you see just how much ISN'T online!

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Electronic and Print Resources - Speech Topics

Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center
What is this?
A database that covers social issues such as gun control, terrorism, censorship, and more. Full-text resources include viewpoints articles, government statistics, court cases, and magazine articles.
Why can't I get into this database?
We have a limited number of licenses to this database. Only a few people can access the database at any one time. For something similar to Opposing Viewpoints, try the links to "Pro/Con" in CQ Researcher or "Issues and Controversies" in the FACTS.com databases (See the next two resources below.)

CQ Researcher
What is this?
Provides analysis on current news issues such as Social Security, global warming, patriotism, and more. Once you locate a report, click on the "Pro/Con" link near the top left corner.

FACTS.com
What is this?
A database that provides access to "Issues and Controversies," the World Almanac, and other quick facts and statistics.

Taking Sides series
What is this?
A book series that covers controversial issues and topics pertaining to bioethics, the environment, the mass media, gender studies, and more.
How do I find it in the library? - In the Library Catalog, do a "Keyword" search for "taking sides," and limit your search to "BR Reference" (Boca Raton Reference).

General Databases page
Use this to access databases related to current events and news, e.g. New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Alternative Press Index, LexisNexis Academic, etc.

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Electronic Journals

Browse or search for electronic journals by title or subject.
Note 1: DO NOT search by article title.

Note 2: To search for articles by topic, use an index/database related to that subject.
Suggestions: For English, try MLA or Humanities Full Text. For Nursing, try CINAHL. For Education, try ERIC or Education Full Text. Link to the Databases by Subject page: Click here.

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Evaluating Information

Use these guides when doing research on the World Wide Web.
Evaluating Web Pages: Techniques to Apply and Questions to Ask (from UC Berkeley)
Evaluating a Web site (from American University)
Evaluating Web sites (from the University of Maryland)

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What's Your Major?

Get listings of print and electronic resources by major and discipline. Many FAU majors are represented on this list. Click here to access the pages.
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Citing References using APA or MLA format

Citing Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism - from Duke University Libraries
Nuts and Bolts of College Writing - APA - Also covers the writing process: style, structure, and evidence.
Nuts and Bolts of College Writing - MLA
APA Electronic Style Formats
MLA Electronic Style Formats

Copies of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th ed., are available for library use only on the shelves adjacent to the Reference Desk. (Call number: BF76.7 .P83 2001, Ready-Reference)

A copy of the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 6th ed. is available near the Reference Desk (for library use only). (Call number: LB2369 .G53 2003)

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I need a book, but we don't have it in the library. What can I do?

You can request many items such as articles and books that we don't own through Interlibrary Loan (ILLiad). Visit their page for more information. IMPORTANT!: Because ILL requests take time, you should allow yourself enough time to submit a request. If your assignment is due tomorrow, you probably won't receive the article or book in time.

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Research Assistance

Reference email - Ask a Librarian! form.

Reference Desk - 561-297-3785

Reference Consultations
Meet with a librarian to receive individual help.