Using Databases at Oakton

To search CQ Researcher:

• Use the search box near the top of the page to perform a keyword search, using simple one or two word phrases.
• Use the “Advanced Search” link under the main search box to access more search options, including limiting by date range, topic, and more.

• If you are searching for topic ideas, continue scrolling down the main page for featured articles and suggested topics. 
• Hover over the “Browse Topics” heading to get a list of popular topic ideas. Use the “Hot Topics” panel along the right side of the screen for a list of new or timely topics.

Once you have a list of results from your search:

• Search results are automatically sorted by Relevance. To sort by date, select “Newest” or “Oldest.”
• Click on the titles to get the full reports.

• Be sure to pay attention to the dates of the reports on the Results list.
• Notice some entries say “Short Report.” Those articles are usually short updates to the full reports. They will not be as detailed, but they may contain more recent information.

Once you click on an article title, the following options and information appear:

• Print or email the article to yourself by clicking "Print" or "Email" icons above the article and selecting your preferences from the drop-down menu that appears.
• View or download a PDF by clicking on the “View PDF” icon above the article.
• Click the “Cite Now” icon above the article to obtain a formatted citation. Just select the desired style (APA, Chicago/Turabian, MLA, etc.) from the options.
• Scroll down to read the whole report from the beginning, or use the left hand-navigation panel to skip to the most relevant sections.

Click on the square on the bottom right for "Full Screen" to see a larger version of this video. Click [CC] for subtitles/closed captions.