Resources for you as Election Day approaches

Indiana University Libraries have you covered with reliable information sources

A screenshot of the home page of the Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints website

A screenshot of the website for Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoint from October 29, 2024.

As election day approaches on Tuesday, November 5, Indiana University Libraries have a wealth of resources available so you can make educated and informed choices on your ballot this year.

Whether you’re looking for trustworthy information on controversial topics, information about the candidates on your ballot, or even just new resources to explore, IU Libraries have you covered:   

Explore This Resource:

Featuring over 20,000 viewpoints, see many sides to prevalent issues.

2024 United States Presidential Election Guide:

 

Compiled by Emily Alford, Government Information and Applied Health Studies Librarian, this Democracy 2024 Library Research Guide features a mix of library, university and government resources to make the process of casting your ballot as easy as possible.

 

“We listed all the different databases that we have that can help folks find the information that will make them more confident when they’re filling out their ballot,” Alford said.

 

The guide includes news resources and government information, as well as data resources, some of which include visualizations, giving multiple ways to see and understand metrics that are close to the heart of current issues. Further resources explain the duties of elected officials.

 

There’s a lot of information out there, and the goal of providing these resources is to give voters a place where they know they can find legitimate, trustworthy information.

“There’s a lot thrown at us today through social media, through TV, through ads. We want the libraries, and specifically this guide, to be a place people can go to know that they’re finding real, quality information.”

Emily Alford Associate Librarian, Government Information and Applied Health Studies

The libraries have additional resources listed in the guide for those looking for individualized help and assistance as well. 

Comparative Looks at Controversial Issues:

These resources were created to foster critical thinking and educated debate about controversial topics focusing on access to multiple sides of an issue. But they are also valuable when researching the topics that matter the most to you during this election.  

 

Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints

Featuring over 20,000 viewpoints, Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints focuses on providing students with the trusted resources they need to argue any side of any issue. Opposing Viewpoints's content aims to go beyond the pros and cons of issues at hand, providing intersectional viewpoints about socially prevalent issues. The database includes reference articles as well as clearly designated viewpoint content.  

 

Access Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints through Indiana University Libraries.  

 

EBSCOHost Points of View Reference Center

Covering hundreds of points on a range of diverse topics, EBSCOHost’s Points of View Reference Center provides an objective background and description of each topic, as well as an argument and counterargument. It also features a critical analysis aimed to assist readers in evaluating the controversy.  

 

Access EBSCOhost Points of View Reference Center through Indiana University Libraries. 

Contributors

Authored by

Taylor Burnette

Railsback Fellow for Library Engagement