Finding quality resources on current events (events that are currently unfolding or have happened within the past 6 or so months) can be tricky. This box has some information and links that can help you, but consider asking a librarian for additional assistance.
- Peer-reviewed scholarship
- You may not find peer-reviewed scholarship about current events. The peer-review process usually lasts at least six months, but may last two years or longer.
- Often, similar past events have already been the subject of peer-reviewed scholarship. These may provide helpful context for your research on current events.
- VCU Libraries databases are a good place to find scholarly research on your topic. Here is a comprehensive list of our databases.
- If you need help choosing a database or questions about how to navigate a databases, contact a subject specialist librarian or Ask Us!
- News articles and social media
- News articles do cover current events. This Find News Sources Guide will help you locate news sources in our collections.
- Social media can provide immediate coverage of events.
- Keep in mind:
- Just because something is reported quickly does not mean that it is accurate.
- Newspapers and social media do not have neutral points of view.
- All sources should be evaluated for their relevance for your research.
- The Evaluate My Resources Guide will help you evaluate your sources.
- Need help finding or evaluating news and social media? Contact a subject specialist librarian or Ask Us!
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