Look for background information in encyclopedias and other online sources. Use these sources to browse for research topics or to narrow down a research topic. Background sources can also help you learn the vocabulary used to describe your topic. This new vocabulary will help you with your keyword searches.
These aren’t necessarily sources that you will cite in your paper, just sources to provide you with background information and relevant vocabulary.
Helpful sources for background information include:
Biographical information on people from throughout history. This resource is provided by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) in partnership with the Massachusetts Library System (MLS). The purchase is supported by funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Contains 100+ dictionary, language reference, and subject reference works full text and searchable.
