Welcome to the El Centro College Library
Research & Help Guides.

We look forward to meeting you in person, by email or virtually!  

This guide will introduce you to the best sources of information from databases that offer information on almost any topic!

Ready to Start Researching?

The DATABASES tab will give you the BEST databases for finding information on almost ANY topic! 

Below are a few of our "best bets". 

If you don't find what you want here, click on the DATABASES tab for more databases!

Student Research Center   BEST BET!
Great database for Speech and English research papers.  Includes articles, pictures, biographies, country reports, news, transcripts, and e-books!  Good source of basic statistics.  Includes: photos and maps

SIRS Researcher     (Tutorial)       
Includes a list of suggested ethical/opposing topics.  Also includes country reports. Summaries includes good information for Speech attention/motivators.  Includes: charts, graphs and pictures, and maps.

eLibrary Curriculum    (Tutorial)
A smaller database that includes biographies, NPR, news and TV transcripts, magazines, and e-books. One of the best sources for pictures since it includes many Getty Images. Includes charts, graphs, and short video clips.

BOOKS & eBOOKS: will help you find and offer tips on using print, reference and online books.

Gale Virtual Library searches your topic from over 50 different online reference books.  Subjects include:  science, religion, business, and more.

WEB SITES: gives you tips on how to evaluate information on the web - check out some of the examples.  Are these credible sources or not?  How can you determine this?

ASSIGNMENTS and TUTORIALS: offers tutorials on how to locate books, search the databases, using PowerPoint and more!  The ASSIGNMENTS area gives you step-by-step directions on how to complete your assigments, along with sample  and grading rubrics.  Handouts that will help you can be found in the HANDOUTS section.

By Phone:

Downtown - 214-860-2174

West - 972-391-1433

In Person:

Downtown - B200

West - 105

Need Circulation help?

Downtown - 214-860-2175

Bill J. Priest - 214-860-5780

West - 972-391-1427