Political Science 201: Jennifer Boyle

American Federal Government, Spring 2005

NOTE:

If you are accessing this page from off campus, the links to most library databases will not work. To use these resources, go to the Library Web Page, where you can connect to Articles and Databases, Reference Sources, and Electronic Journals and Newspapers after providing your Elmhurst College login and password. If you don't know your E.C. login or password, you'll want to see Computer Services, Room 107 CSTC. More information on accessing resources from off campus is available.

Finding Books

You can locate books owned by the library using Illinet Online.
- Use subject headings for more focused searching.
- If you don't know the appropriate subject heading, try a Guided Keyword search (much more useful than an Any Word Anywhere search!).
If a book appears in the catalog, but is not available at Elmhurst, you can request the item directly in Illinet Online.
- Books not available through Illinet may be ordered through our online Interlibrary Loan book request form.

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Finding Articles

Finding Journal Articles

Below are only three possible resources for finding articles on your topic. Explore the other article databases; some focus on particular topics, such as education, psychology, or nursing.

Academic Search Elite ~ contains articles from both (scholarly) journal and popular magazines on a wide range of topics, many in full text. Look carefully -- is it a scholarly article?
CQ Researcher ~ published by Congressional Quarterly, this electronic reference tool is an excellent source for hot topics. This tool does not index articles; rather, it presents in electronic format the full text of individual issues of the publication. Each issue focuses exclusively on a particular topic, such as campaign finance reform or abortion.
Lexis-Nexis Academic ~ a plethora of legal resources are at your fingertips, available in full text. You can also access political transcripts, or transcripts from radio and television programs.

Is this a scholarly journal or a popular magazine? Click here to find out.

Finding Newspaper Articles

Chicago Tribune
Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe ~ also provides access to newspapers from all over the world
Newspaper Source ~ another database providing access to newspapers both large and small
New York Times

What If The Article Isn't Available Online?

Use Illinet Online to determine if the library owns the journal in print or in microfilm
Check Journals and Magazines Available Online to see if the article is available through another database
If you cannot find an article at Elmhurst, you can request it through our online Interlibrary Loan article request form

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Civic Engagement Opportunities

work with a political or governmental official

Resources for finding local politicians and government officials, with contact information

Politics1: Illinois ~ a thorough source of information about current Illinois government officials
Project Vote-Smart ~ All current Illinois officials and candidates are included in this site, with links to each candidate's biographical information, issue positions, voting record, campaign finances, and special interest groups; check out who's in Congress, and find out more about state officials and local officials
Yahoo! Directory: Politics ~ this is a complete listing of Illinois politicians with web presences, according to Yahoo!; check out candidates and officials for more information on their positions, policies, and requests for volunteer assistance
Illinois Government: Legislative Section ~ information on the state's politicians, from the official Illinois government site

work with a political party or political action committee

Links to County Clerk's Offices, political parties, and political action committees (PACs)

County Clerks

Political Parties

Democratic National Committee ~ check out opportunities to volunteer or raise money in your area
Democratic Party of DuPage County ~ a number of ways in which you can help out
Democratic Party of Illinois: Links ~ this collection links from the official Illinios Democratic party will take you to several organizations' sites, many of whom would welcome volunteers
DuPage Republican Party ~ working on phone banks is a great way to help out this organization
Illinois Republican Party ~ sign up to help out the Republican party in this state
Republican National Committee ~ the RNC is looking for students to volunteer as team leaders in their area

PACs

Citizen Advocacy Center ~ presents a great opportunity to learn about advocacy; take place in a survey on February 24
League of Women Voters (Illinois chapter) ~ this nonpartisan political organization encourages informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy
Madison Project ~ a conservative PAC dedicated to "empowering conservatives across America"; sign up with the Student Network to get involved as a volunteer
MoveOnPAC.org ~ a liberal PAC (Political Action Committee); presents opportunities for volunteering to register voters, holding MoveOn fundraisers, and working to defeat George Bush

work with a non-profit community organization or interest group

Try searching at one of the below resources for contact information for different groups

Yahoo! Directory: Chicago Metro: Community Organizations ~ divided by type of work organizations do
Community Organizations ~ from Northwestern University's School of Law, a list of Chicago community organizations who welcome volunteers
Chicagovolunteer.net ~ a database of volunteer opportunities in the Chicagoland area
VolunteerMatch ~ enter your ZIP code and be matched up to volunteer opportunities
Idealist.org ~ click here to search for volunteer opportunities
Schaumburg Township District Library: Community Organizations ~ search or browse for community organizations throughout the area
Chicago Area Directory of Organizations ~ compiled by librarians at the Chicago Public Library, a list of clubs and organizations

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Using Internet Resources

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Citing Your Sources

The Political Science Student Writer's Manual, 3rd ed. R 808.06632 S426p 2000
Writing and Citing: Styles by Discipline: Political Science ~ from Elmhurst College

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Web Pages for Courses:
Political Science

Library Home Page

Political Science Department
Home Page

Revised 23 February, 2005 by Ayanna Gaines, Assistant Reference Librarian
A.C. Buehler Library, Elmhurst College