Nobody likes the sassy "know-it-all", but knowing it all does feel good, doesn't it? Feeling smart. Empowered. Holding your own in a discussion. Getting to this stage takes work but there are some wonderful tools that are faster and better than googling. I'm all for Google and Wikipedia but meet your new friend "Opposing Viewpoints".
First an anecdote. A high schooler in my life and his parent were discussing what subject to choose for a school debate assignment. A list of pros and cons for the debate had to be listed and ultimately a side needed to be chosen. The parent/student interaction was great but they were struggling with the perfect topic and support material. They didn't even think to use the library. :(
The Opposing Viewpoints database and print books can get you to the know-it-all stage directly. Click on Opposing Viewpoints in Context from the library's research database page and there you can see lists of issues in lots of categories. Keep clicking through and the best articles about a subject are neatly organized. The print books from this publisher are on the fourth floor shelves.
I've never reached the expert stage but I'm hoping it is never too late!
Examples:
Off Shore Drilling
Advertising
Censorship
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