[OT] Where to post?

Yes, I know it's bad to START a thread off-topic, but I have no idea
how else to ask.

OK, in my quest to look for bibliographies so I can do research for
school, I figured I'd look on USENET.

Unfortunately, I have no idea where to begin looking. Side-factor is
that I only know English; Not even passable or tourist-level in any
other languages (not for lack of trying!).

The topics I'm doing papers on:

1. Western Sahara

2. Jacobinism in Turkey under Ataturk

Any suggestions on where I should poke around on USENET for each of
these?

John