Find Background Information
Definition
Background information includes basic information on a research topic such as important terms and concepts, relevant names of people or places, and dates of specific events. It helps you get an overview your topic, discover keywords for searching databases and identify a narrower, more focused aspect of your topic about which to write.
Where to Search
| Place to Search | What you'll find |
| Articles on all subjects from subject encyclopedias, almanacs, etc. | |
| Oxford Reference Online | Entries from dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other reference works in most subject areas. |
| CQ Researcher | In-depth coverage of "hot" issues in the news written by journalists. |
| Opposing Viewpoints | Viewpoints and topical overviews focused on social issues. |
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CRS Reports in |
Reports written by the Congressional Research Service, a division of the Library of Congress, on topics relevant to current political events. Good for background information on current controversies. |
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