You can find background information in a variety of sources, including:
Subject encyclopedias, which provide reliable information on a variety of topics to get a broader understanding and refine your research question. Our library has subject encyclopedias in the following databases:
Books and ebooks, which provide a comprehensive overview on your topic and may include helpful bibliographies that lead you to additional sources. Visit the library catalog to locate hardcopy books, and visit our ebook collection to search for ebooks.
The web—Google is useful for general searches. Make sure you evaluate an information source for factors such as accuracy, authority, currency, and purpose.