A good way to begin your research is to find sources of background information. This is especially important if you are unfamiliar with the subject area.
Use encyclopedias, handbooks and dictionaries to:
Encyclopedias
Consult authoritative encyclopedias, such as the one listed below, to get a broad overview of a subject. a concise overview of a concept, thought or person.
Selected encyclopedias include:
Handbooks
Use handbooks to locate in-depth articles written by noted experts. Handbooks typically offer thorough introductions to topics and a critical survey of the current state of scholarship in a particular field.
Selected handbooks include:
Dictionaries
Provide authoritative definitions of words, concepts, etc.