Thigpen Library has variety of databases to assist you with finding credible information for an informative speech. This page links you to a few library resources and credible websites to get you started. Another way to find resources is to use another research guide related to your topic — Careers, Education, Music, Sciences, etc.
Find a relevant research guide, and more resources, from the comprehensive list of research guides (https:// libguides.volstate.edu/research)
Events & Ideas
Find information and explanations on events and ideas.
- Academic Video Online: Premium This link opens in a new windowWatch a streaming video. Videos have searchable transcripts to help you quickly find what you want.
- CQ Researcher This link opens in a new windowGet updated on current issues in the U.S. The in-depth reports are a great resource for speeches.
- Issues & Controversies in History This link opens in a new windowCollection of reference articles and primary documents on major historical issues and conflicts. Browse by eras s in World and U.S. history or by regions.
- TED Talks (Films on Demand)
Over a 1,000 TED Talks streaming videos are available.
- US Major Dailies This link opens in a new windowUp-to-date information from five US national and regional newspapers
People
Find biographical information on people.
- Contemporary Authors This link opens in a new windowBiographical information on modern novelists, poets, playwrights, nonfiction writers, journalists, and scriptwriters.
- Credo Reference This link opens in a new windowShort biographical sketches available in this online reference collection
- Grove Music (Oxford Music Online) This link opens in a new windowFind biographies of composers and musicians
Places
Find articles, factual, and cultural information on a city, country, or place.
Library Databases
- Credo Reference This link opens in a new windowReference collection includes geographical and cultural information.
- Diversity Studies (Gale OneFile) This link opens in a new windowJournals and magazines that explore cultural differences, contributions, and influences in the global community.
NOTE: Access limited by IP to users located in Tennessee
Resource provided by Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL)
- US Major Dailies This link opens in a new windowNewspapers keep readers informed about a place. Sometimes newspapers print a profile of a city, country, or place.
Web Resources
These web resources will be good sources for information and statistics on a location. The CIA World Fact Book is an excellent place to begin your research.
- World Factbook (CIA)
Information on the history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues for 267 world entities. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) - Data and Statistics about the United StatesFind data about the U.S., such as maps and population, demographic, and economic data.
- World Health Organization (WHO) statisticsGlobal health data from the World Health Organization (WHO)
