NSCC Library: Composition 101: Recommended Resources

Getting Started

Do some background reading to get your mind around your topic. Encyclopedia articles can help you understand your topic at a high level. These resources can give you ideas about related topics or ways to narrow your topic down.

Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
Credo Reference finds context or background information for topics. Interactive Mind Maps identify closely related concepts and keywords associated with a topic.

Find Articles

SNAP!Search: Ebsco Discovery Service This link opens in a new window
In a single search, this tool provides an interdisciplinary approach to your research results. Searches across subject database collections, library locations, and format types.
Opposing Viewpoints in Context This link opens in a new window
Informed viewpoints support learners in developing critical-thinking skills and drawing their own conclusions. Covers current social issues through viewpoints, reference articles, infographics, news, images, video, and audio.
Global Issues in Context This link opens in a new window
International viewpoints on a broad spectrum of global issues, topics, and current events. Featured are issue and country portals that include sources for analysis of social, political, military, economic, environmental, health, and cultural issues.
Academic Search Complete This link opens in a new window
Search a wide range of full-text journals, magazines, books, reports, conference proceedings and Associated Press videos. Includes peer-reviewed content for STEM research, the social sciences, and humanities.

Best Bets

Getting started with research? These are the resources we recommend:

Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
Credo Reference finds context or background information for topics. Interactive Mind Maps identify closely related concepts and keywords associated with a topic.
SNAP!Search: Ebsco Discovery Service This link opens in a new window
In a single search, this tool provides an interdisciplinary approach to your research results. Searches across subject database collections, library locations, and format types.
JSTOR This link opens in a new window
JSTOR is an excellent source for scholarly, peer-reviewed articles, ebooks and images, covering literature, history, the arts, and more.
Opposing Viewpoints in Context This link opens in a new window
Informed viewpoints support learners in developing critical-thinking skills and drawing their own conclusions. Covers current social issues through viewpoints, reference articles, infographics, news, images, video, and audio.

Find Books

HELM Library Catalog This link opens in a new window
Search the NSCC Library and HELM Massachusetts college and university libraries for book and media sources.

Find Streaming Video

Kanopy streaming video This link opens in a new window
Access documentaries, training films, and educational films on various subjects. Includes classic films, PBS, Great Courses, California Newsreel, the Criterion Collection, indie films, and world cinema from award-winning filmmakers.
Academic Video Online (AVON) This link opens in a new window
Find videos of documentaries, interviews, performances, news programs and newsreels. Includes award-winning films, newly released films, and instructional videos.

Find News

Boston Globe This link opens in a new window
Access daily local and national news stories. Good resource for primary sources (1980 - Present)
New York Times This link opens in a new window
Access daily regional, national, and international news stories. Good resource for primary sources (1980-Present)