ENG 151&152 / PLT 155 Community & Local Research: Home

Librarians and other researchers know that researching local and community issues may be challenging. Just because you know of a local issue, does not mean that there is scholarly research readily available on it. You will likely have to use local newspapers or other local periodicals (Chicago Tribune, Northwest Herald, etc.), or interviews, etc. for specifics on recent and very local topics.

There may be scholarly information available for background and overall issues concerning your topic. As always leave yourself plenty of time for research and be sure to seek the assistance of a reference librarian if you need more help! 

The database below consists of reference e-books, useful for background information on your topic.

Use the MCC Library Catalog to find out what the Library has on your topic. Enter your search below to get started!

The databases below are good for finding articles on your topic.  Other databases may be useful for your topic as well, depending on the topic!  For example, research on local organic farming may begin with a look at articles in local newspapers with Newspaper Source.

Questions? To contact an MCC Librarian, click on

Ask a Librarian!

The MCC Library will be open to currently enrolled MCC students only until further notice. 

Monday, November 9 through Thursday, November 12:

8:00am to 6:00pm

Beginning Monday, November 16, 2020:

Remote Reference Hours (No Physical Access to Library)

Monday through Thursday, 8:00am to 6:00pm

Friday, 8:00am to 12:00pm

MCC Closed:

Wednesday-Friday, November 25-27 -- Thanksgiving Recess  

Thursday, December 24 through Friday, January 1 -- Holiday Recess