The books will tend to be recent. Once you have identified potentially useful books, check the ECVL page on interlibrary loan for more information on obtaining books and for the details on our special service for obtaining books for excelsior College Students. Reports Reports written by government officials or individuals working for think tank type organizations or research centers can be quite useful. Reports often contain helpful bibliographies and attempt to analyze or study a topic. Government agencies are prolific writers of reports.
Many agencies have extensive web sites that contain their reports.
The many government agencies regulate or monitor an amazing range of topics. These reports tend to be nonpartisan. Think tank and research centers on the other hand, can be partisan or nonpartisan. Make certain you are aware of the point of view of the think tank or research center responsible for the report. Go to General Reading Room to look for Reports on your topic.