Finding background information

It is often a good idea to begin a research project by locating and reading short articles that provide a broad overview of a topic. Such articles can be found in a variety of reference sources, such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, almanacs, handbooks, and biographical sources, to name a few. These resources may also provide bibliographies (list of books and articles) that can suggest additional materials that are available on the subject.  Here are a few examples:

General Encyclopedias

General encyclopedias are designed to cover a broad spectrum of knowledge and are therefore likely to have some information on every topic. They are often a good source to consult first as they introduce the main concepts of a subject as well suggest other sources that can be helpful (Examples: Encyclopedia Britannica, The World Book Encyclopedia, The Encyclopedia Americana).

Specialized/Subject-Specific Encyclopedias

Specialized or subject-specific encyclopedias contain more detailed articles, written by experts in the field. The bibliographies in these type of encyclopedias tend to be more comprehensive than those in general encyclopedias. There are hundreds of specialized Encyclopedias.  (Examples: Encyclopedia of Social Work, Encyclopedia of Global Industries, Encyclopedia of Religion). 

Specialized/Subject-Specific Dictionaries

There is a great variety of specialized dictionaries.  Definitions in these types of sources are usually more detailed than those in standard dictionaries (they often resemble encyclopedias rather than traditional dictionaries). Illustrations and bibliographic references are also common in these sources (Examples: Dictionary of Irish Writers, Dictionary of Banking and Finance, Dictionary of Performing Arts).

Almanacs

Almanacs contain up-to-date information on a variety of topics, from basic statistics, to recent information about winners of a sporting event. They include figures, charts, tables and statistics and can provide answers to many general questions (Examples: World Almanac, The Time Almanac, Science and Technology Almanac).

Handbooks

Handbooks provide concise, factual information, often in forms of charts, formulas, tables, statistical data, and historical background. They often include information about new developments as they are updated regularly (Examples: The American Music Handbook, Handbook of International Purchasing, Handbook of Small Group Research).

Biographical Sources

Reference sources containing relatively brief articles about people (mostly famous, but also fairly obscure ones as well).  Examples include: Who's Who in America, Contemporary Authors, Dictionary of National Biography.