Opposing Viewpoints in Context

Here’s another terrific database that often gets lost among the many resources offered online by the Library.  Opposing Viewpoints in Context, available on the Alabama Virtual Library, is one of those practical databases that provide excellent information for school assignments ranging from middle school to the first two years of college.  Essentially, it’s an online resource covering today’s hottest social issues from offshore drilling to climate change, from healthcare to immigration. 

Opposing Viewpoints began life many years ago as a series of books that tackled current topics of interest.  Long a favorite of librarians, it reprints magazine, newspaper and editorial articles as well as speeches on a variety of issues.  You can always find good arguments for both sides of important issues.  Opposing Viewpoints is a perfect source for current events reports and accumulating information on debate topics.  The online version keeps the resources contained in the print series but adds so much more.  Articles from Cengage Gale’s database Infotrac One File are included as well as many extra newspaper and journal articles.  Statistical information such as charts, graphs, etc. can be copied and inserted into a report.  There is also a large image file that can be copied.  You can search from the pre-set “Issues” list that collects resources on hot-button topics or do a key word search using Boolean operators.  Opposing Viewpoints in Context is a one-stop source for school reports and it’s available for free through the Alabama Virtual Library.