Answered By: Vicki
Last Updated: Jun 03, 2026     Views: 34

If you are asked to write a paper or prepare a speech for a class, you might have trouble thinking of an arguable topic. The SIRS database contains more than 300 topics to choose from. To get to SIRS:

  1. Go to the Tri-C Library home page.
  2. Select the Popular Resources box.
  3. In the Pro/Con Databases box, select SIRS Issue Researcher. 
    If you are not at a Tri-C campus, you will have to log in to Tri-C.

Choose a topic by browsing by category

  1. On the SIRS home page, scroll through the horizontal list of issues labeled TRENDING TOPICS and EDITORS' PICKS. 
  2. Select a topic. 

Leading Issues articles: Leading Issue articles provide background information on a topic and help you choose an aspect of the topic that interests you. It's easier to research a topic you care about. In addition to an overview, these articles may contain viewpoints, more sources (look for the magnifying glass icon), critical thinking questions, a timeline.

Searching for sources for your topic:

  1. Type keywords of your topic in the search box at the top of the page, then select the Search button. (If you get no results, check your spelling or think of synonyms for your keywords and try again.)
  2. Choose one or more of the following:
  • Click Most Recent on the top left to sort results with the newest articles at the top of the list.
  • Limit by source type:  Click the checkbox for any type (e.g., newspaper, magazine, etc.) 
  • Limit to primary sources: Click the checkbox to the left of Primary Sources.
  • Limit by publication date:  Choose last 30 days, last 12 months, or specify a range of dates and click Apply.

Once you have a list of results:  You may save, print, or email any article.

Get a citation:  

  1. In the Use this document box in the top right of the page, select Cite.
  2. Select a citation style.
  3. Select Copy to copy the citation.
  4. Paste the citation to your Works Cited or References page (or a document you're using to keep track of your research). Be sure to format it correctly, and always review citations from any database for accuracy.