Civic Participation Project
Speech 2130
Stephen Thompson
Library Resources | Other Resources
Library Resources
Reference Books
Specialized Encyclopedias
Specialized encyclopedias can provide useful overviews or convenient explanations. Below are some examples. You would choose an encyclopedia on your issue.
- Child Abuse Sourcebook
Reference HV6626.52 .C557 2004
- Encyclopedia of Community
Reference HM756 .E53 2003
- Encyclopedia of Urban America
Reference HT123 .E5 1998
- Poverty in the United States : an Encyclopedia of History, Politics, and Policy
Reference HC110.P6 P598 2004
Directories
Directories are useful for finding about organizations that may already be working with the problem or who may be able to provide information, help, or funding.
Disabilities
- Complete Directory for People with Disabilities
Reference HV 1553 .C58
- Complete Learning Disabilities Directory
Reference LC 4704.6 .C65
Retirement / Senior Citizens
- Directory of Retirement Facilities
Reference HQ 1063.2 .U6 D5
- Older Americans Information Directory
Reference HV 1457 .O42
- Research Guide for Seniors, Caregivers, and Professionals: Chicago & Suburbs....
Reference HV 1468 .I3 C373
- Senior Citizens Resource Directory (DuPage County)
Reference HV 1468 .I3 S4x
Social Services in General
- C.R.I.S.: Community Resource Information System
- Directory of Self-Help and Mutual Aid Groups
Reference HV 547 .D57
- Human Care Services Directory of Metropolitan Chicago
Reference HV 99 .C4 H8
- Public Human Services Directory
Reference HV 89 .P8
Standards and Comparative Guides
- Building and Zoning Codes
Reference KFX
- Child Welfare League of America Standards
Reference HV 741 .C522
- DuPage County Zoning Ordinance
Reference KFI 1799 .D82 Z62
- Illinois Compiled Statutes
Reference KFI 1229 .I44
- Retirement Places Rated
Reference HQ 1063.2 .U6 R4 2004
Article Databases
Articles can provide you with background information on the nature of a problem, research on the causes of problems, or ways in which other communities have dealt with an issue.
General Databases
Specialized Databases
The specialized database you choose will depend on the topic or issue you have decided to explore. These are just some suggestions
Newspaper Databases
Note, most of the full text newspapers are national news.
Other Resources
Local Newspapers
Most newspapers charge for articles more than seven days old.
Interviews with Local Officials
Use some of the directories above to identify appropriate offices or individuals.
Online Sources
Most local organizations have a national affiliate. You can look up the national site using a search engine such as Google.
Many of the issues you will be researching have national organizations that support research on the topic. Encyclopedia of Associations (Reference AS 22 .E5) can help you locate the official organization's site. Or try the Directory of Associations .
Some general sites for volunteer opportunities include:
- 1-800-Volunteer.org
This site "is a web-based volunteer recruitment, referral, and tracking resource that is managed by local Volunteer Centers within their communities."
- @grass-roots.org
"Telling the stories of the nation's most innovative grassroots programs,"
- Habitat for Humanity
"Invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need."
- National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD)
"NVOAD coordinates planning efforts by many voluntary organizations responding to disaster. ... "
- Network for Good
Resources for donating, volunteering, speaking out on current issues, and responding quickly to crises.
- VolunteerMatch
Volunteer opportunities around the country, searchable by zip code or area of interest.
Marianne Berger, Reference Librarian
630.942.2338
berger@cdnet.cod.edu
6 Februrary 2006
