Get Started Finding a Current Topic or Issue
Use the library's Subject Research Guides to find an A-Z list of current and popular research topics. The guide for each topic includes links to recommended databases and background information sources, among other things.
CQ Researcher can be a good starting point for exploring topics. Enter your topic idea into the search box.
Brainstorm Your Topic Worksheet
Where to Find a Topic
News Sources
- National Public Radio (NPR)National Public Radio provides readers and listeners with up-to-date, well researched information about important news. Be sure to click on NEWS in the upper left to explore the site.
- BBCThe BBC publishes news from around the world and includes both pop-culture and more serious topics. Use the navigation bar along the top of the page to explore more.
- The ConversationThe Conversation US is a source of independent news and views served to readers with academic rigor and a journalistic flair. Use the navigation bar at the top to explore topics.
Databases & Background Information
- CQ Researcher This link opens in a new windowSelect from the Hot Topics in the right column, or click on Browse Topics at the top of the page. Find hundreds of articles on new, classic, and controversial topics.
- JSTOR DailyWhere news meets its scholarly match, JSTOR Daily uses the database JSTOR to publish articles grounded in peer-reviewed research for free. Click the three line icon in the top left for an index of topics.
- Pop Culture Universe This link opens in a new windowA database full of information on the top pop culture topics in history. Click on Time Periods to see all topics in each decade.
Professional Sources
- Subject GuidesThe library maintains Subject Guides on over 100 popular topics to help students with their research assignments. These guides provide an A-Z list of current and popular research topics. The guide for each topic includes links to recommended databases, background information sources, and other resources.
- Trade PublicationsThe best place to find lists of trade publications is Wikipedia. They are listed by category. Trade publications are magazines that provide information on current trends, news, and research in a specific field or industry. They contain articles written by experts in that field.
- Academic Search Ultimate This link opens in a new windowSelect "Trade Publications" when refining search results on your topic.