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*The Research Process: A Guide for GWC Students

Use library resources to locate and evaluate information for your class assignments.

Purpose of Background Research

Once you have identified some keywords, the next step is to find background information on your topic.

Background research:
  • Provides a good overview of the topic if you are unfamiliar with it.
  • Helps identify important facts -- terminology, dates, events, history, organizations, etc.
  • Can help refine your topic.
  • Leads to bibliographies which provide additional sources of information.

Sources of Background Information

Background information can be found in:information

  • textbooks
  • dictionaries
  • general encyclopedias
  • subject-specific encyclopedias 
  • article databases

These sources are often listed on the Books & E-Books tab of our subject guides.

Databases for Background Research

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