The Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center: Critical Thinking? is a comprehensive, full-text database providing differing points of view on current social issues, such as affirmative action, censorship, ecology and mental health.

To Access the Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center: Critical Thinking?:

1. Go to the Sullivan University Library Web page (http://library.sullivan.edu).
2. Mouse-over the Databases link. A pop-up menu will appear.
3. Scroll down to ON CAMPUS ACCESS. A pop-up menu will appear.
4. Scroll to the Opposing Viewpoints tab. Click SEARCH.
5. You will retrieve an Infotrac Gale Group gateway page. Click on the Proceed button.
6. The next screen that appears will be the Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center main page. There will be a search entry box (the BASIC SEARCH box) along with the links to an ISSUES search. 

If you are accessing the database off-campus (remotely):

1. Go to the Sullivan University Library web page.
2. Mouse-over the Databases link, then CLICK on the OFF CAMPUS ACCESS link. From that page, click on CLICK THIS LINK to go to the Password Screen.
3. A password screen will appear. You will need to enter your Sullivan user name and password. The domain will be Sullivan. (For help logging into the Sullivan system, click here.)
4. A remote access screen will appear. Follow the Remote Access screen directions.
5. There will be a link to the OVRC. Click the link and enter the appropriate password as needed.  

(Note: Please ask the library staff for assistance if you are having problems or you do not see a Sullivan University link at the top of the OVRC? screen).

The Basic Search:

A BASIC SEARCH allows the user to search by:

• Subject (this is the default search)
• Keyword
• Full-Text

A listing of articles (or documents) will appear if the search is successful.

• Tabs above the results indicate the type of data the documents are.
  • TABBED Data types include:
    • Viewpoints
    • Reference
    • Statistics
    • Magazines & Newspapers
    • Web Sites
    • Images
    • Other Types

• If a tab is grayed-out, that particular type of data is not available.

The results of a SUBJECT or KEYWORDS BASIC SEARCH also include a listing of SUBJECT TERMS on the left side of the page.

Boolean operators (AND, OR, or NOT) can be used in a BASIC SEARCH.

THE ADVANCED SEARCH:

The ADVANCED SEARCH is similar to the BASIC SEARCH but provides the user with additional options.

The ADVANCED SEARCH can be accessed by clicking the ADVANCED SEARCH button. You can then enter search terms, Booleans, fields, and limiters.

Selecting A Topical (Current) Issue From a List:

The OVRC? main screen provides a listing of topical issues that can be selected.

• The list is located below the BASIC SEARCH box.
• By clicking on an issue, the user conducts a BASIC SUBJECT SEARCH on the selected ISSUE (topic).
• The ISSUE SEARCH provides a listing of documents on the right side of the page and a listing of related SUBJECTS on the left side of the page.
• The TABS indicate what type of date is available from the search.

Other Options Available from the Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center?:

A research guide, various "tools," a help menu, search tips, and a dictionary can be accessed by clicking the appropriate link at the top of the page.

These options can be found at the top of the main page.

After your search:

To print or e-mail the results, click on the Print or E-mail icons and follow any given instructions.

You can return to the Sullivan Library web page by clicking the "Back to Institution" icon at the top of the page.