Consider using encyclopedias and other reference sources when you begin researching a topic. Some encyclopedias will provide more in-depth information than others, but any general encyclopedia is a good source to consult for background information of your chosen subject area. Most encyclopedias provide the following:
- Main concepts, including names, dates, places
- Keywords and subject terms related to topic
- Lists of related articles or additional resources
- Britannica online
Academic version of the Encyclopedia Britannica.
- Credo Reference
A starting point for research and learning that offers unlimited access to hundreds of full text reference books on every subject. Includes encyclopedias, dictionaries, thesauri and books of quotations.
- Gale eBooks
A searchable, full-text database of encyclopedias, almanacs, and specialized reference sources.
- Oxford Reference Online
Contains over 100 dictionary, language reference, and subject reference works published by Oxford University Press. Also includes the Oxford Companions Series.