Learning about a Topic
Background research provides context for your topic:
Background Research: Where to Start
| Type of Source |
Definition |
Examples |
|
Tertiary Source*
|
- type of Secondary Source
- offers a summary or review of a subject
*often called reference source
|
- Dictionary
- Encyclopedia
- Almanacs
|
The best place to start is with tertiary sources (encyclopedia articles are your best bet)
- Get an overview of the broader topic
- Identify sub-topics for narrowing a topic
- Highlight key terms (people, places, events, dates) - these can be used for searches
- References and citations that follow offer an early idea of source availability for a topic
The Librarians recommend these databases to start your research
-
Other places to start:
- Ask a Librarian for research help;
- Resource Guides for specific classes list “Best Bet” reference and subject encyclopedias for that class or project.
