Finding Background Information

Once you have identified the main topic and keywords for your research, find one or more sources of background information to read. These sources will help you understand the broader context of your research and tell you in general terms what is known about your topic. The most common background sources are encyclopedias and dictionaries from the print and online reference collection. Class textbooks also provide background information.

USE ENCYCLOPEDIAS AND DICTIONARIES

Reference Universe

Reference Universe is a database you can search to find subject encyclopedias on any topic. Be sure to click the "Restrict Search to Titles in your Library" checkbox to see what we own at Cornell. Click on the open book icon to get the Cornell call number and location.

You can also find encyclopedias and dictionaries for specific topics by using the Cornell Library Catalog, by consulting a Subject Guide (an annotated bibliography of selected reference sources on a specific subject), by checking the General Interest and Reference section of the Library Gateway, or by asking a reference librarian to suggest appropriate titles. For more general background you may wish to consult Encyclopaedia Britannica Online.

TIP: EXPLOIT BIBLIOGRAPHIES

• Read the background information and note any useful sources (books, journals, magazines, etc.) listed in the bibliography at the end of the encyclopedia article or dictionary entry. The sources cited in the bibliography are good starting points for further research.

• Look up these sources in the Cornell Library Catalog and periodical indexes. Check the subject headings listed in the subject field of the online record for these books and articles. Then do subject searches using those subject headings to locate additional titles.

• Remember that many of the books and articles you find in the Cornell Library Catalog and periodical indexes will themselves have bibliographies. Check these bibliographies for additional relevant resources for your research.

By using this technique of routinely following up on sources cited in bibliographies, you can generate a surprisingly large number of books and articles on your topic in a relatively short time.

Updated 11 April 2006
Michael Engle
Reference Department
URL: http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/research/background.html