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.
Subject encyclopedias offer a very quick way to get yourself started on research topics. They are compiled by experts in the field.
See the featured dictionaries and encyclopedias at the top of this page for examples, or search for more. To find a subject encyclopedia in ONESearch, just add encyclopedia to your subject heading: i.e.: "mathematics encyclopedia."