Finding Background Information

Once you have identified the main topic and keywords for your research, find one or more sources of background information to read. These sources will help you understand the broader context of your research and tell you in general terms what is known about your topic. The most common background sources are encyclopedias and dictionaries from the reference collection. Textbooks also provide background information. ENCYCLOPEDIAS AND DICTIONARIES  You can find encyclopedias and dictionaries for specific topics by using the SMC Library Catalog, by consulting the List of Encyclopedias in the Reference Area, or by asking a librarian to suggest appropriate titles. For more general background information you may wish to consult the Encyclopedia Britannica Online BIBLIOGRAPHIES Read the background information and note any useful sources (books, journals, magazines, etc.) listed in the bibliography at the end of the encyclopedia article or dictionary entry. The sources cited in the bibliography are good starting points for further research.  Look up these sources in the SMC Library Catalog. Check the subject headings listed in the catalog for the books. Then use those subject headings to locate additional titles.  Remember that many of the books and articles you find in the SMC Library Catalog and periodical indexes will themselves have bibliographies. Check these bibliographies for additional relevant resources for your research. By routinely following up on sources cited in bibliographies, you can create a surprisingly large list of books and articles on your topic in a relatively short time. You are ready for the next step: Finding Books. Return to the Seven Steps of the Research Process Return to Library Research Guide