Find Background Info: Getting Started

Overview

Background sources can

• Help you see the big picture and contextualize your topic
• Give you a better idea of where to start your research
• Provide an introduction to vocabulary and ideas you'll need to know
• Refer you to other sources

Library Search for Background Sources

Find Quick Overviews and Definitions

• Use Library Search to find resources for your topic.
• After you search, look on the left for "Refine my results."
• Scroll down to "Resource Type."
• Click on "Show More," to see more than the first few entries.
• Select "Reference Entries" (if available).
• Then, "Apply Filters."

Find Subject Encyclopedias and In-Depth Background Sources

• Go to Advanced Search
• Select Library Catalog
• Limit to the Title contains and Search for:  dictionar* OR encyclopedia* OR handbook* OR companion
• In the next line, type in your topic as a keyword or phrase

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