Library research is fundamental to the learning process in competitive debate. To this end, the Michigan Debate Institutes offer students tremendous, if not unparalleled resources for the research of the national policy topic. The University of Michigan library system is the fifth largest in the United States, and the additional resources, bibliographical materials, and unique instructional programs make this an important reason why you should choose one of our workshops this summer.
 

The University of Michigan Library System

The University of Michigan Library system is among the finest in the world.  The library system houses over 6.4 million volumes and subscribes to thousands of periodicals.  University  of Michigan libraries collect hundreds of periodicals and books directly germane to the national topics.  The Library System also includes twenty-three other specialized libraries covering specific fields, including business, science and the environment, public health, and government documents.

The Law Library

Michigan's nationally recognized Law School contains a vast library available for debate student use, with over 750,000 volumes and law reviews indexed through the UM-Lexcalibur system, which can be searched at the Library or remotely. The Michigan Law Library collects over 40 environmental law reviews. All University libraries, including the Law Library, are located conveniently on the University of Michigan campus.

In-House Institute Collection

The Michigan Debate Institute staff compiles an extensive collection of hundreds of articles and books on the national policy and LD topics.  It is indexed by subject and available for use exclusively by Michigan Debate Institute participants in the Residence Hall.  The In-House Library allows students convenient use of research materials at all times.
 

Library Instruction Curriculum

As part of a joint effort between the Debate Institute and the nationally recognized University of Michigan School of Information and Library Sciences, students at the Michigan Debate Institutes are taught basic and advanced debate research techniques.

This instruction takes two forms: development of skills related to the particular national policy topic, such as the use of computerized indexes, government documents, and bibliographic searches;  and cultivation of the process of how to develop a research strategy which students can implement throughout the entire season.
 

Washington D.C. Resources

The University of Michigan's Government Documents Library is an official Government Depository.  To supplement this material the Michigan Debate Institutes collect and reserve materials from Washington D.C. public and private agencies and organizations concerning the national topic prior to the start of the Michigan Debate Institutes.
 

The Reserve Collection

The Michigan Debate Institute staff compiles a special reserve collection of hundreds of topic related books and government documents from all University of Michigan libraries.  This collection is available exclusively for Michigan Debate Institute participants.  MDI students also receive a comprehensive bibliography of government publications concerning the national topic.
 

Ethical Use of Library Materials

The faculty of the Michigan Debate Institutes strongly believes that debaters must learn to respect the integrity of libraries and other sources of information.