LibGuides: Getting Started with Library Research: Gathering Background Information

Gathering Background Information

Once you have a general topic, it's important to get a broad overview of the subject. In this step, you begin to teach yourself about your topic through background research. Teaching yourself about your topic through background research has several benefits, including helping you:

identify the major concepts and issues related to your topic,
narrow your research to one aspect of your topic that you would like to investigate further,
and identify vocabulary associated with your topic that you can use to inform further research.

The library offers students access to several databases that are useful for background research, including:

Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
Find over 3 million encyclopedia and dictionary entries in more than 600 top quality encyclopedias and dictionaries in all major subjects from art to medicine, psychology to history, and technology to literature. Includes bilingual and biographical dictionaries.
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Opposing Viewpoints This link opens in a new window
Opposing Viewpoints in Context is the premier online resource covering today’s hottest social issues, from capital punishment to immigration, to violent video games.
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CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window
CQ Researcher provides award winning in-depth coverage of the most important issues of the day. Access to reports published up to 2023 only. Any newer reports are locked.
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