English 161: General Research Guide: Background Sources

Use background sources to find:

• A broad overview of a topic
• Important dates, names and other facts.
• Useful terminology which you can use to strengthen your research.

In general, the encyclopedias available through the library are more reliable than Wikipedia or other web sites, as they have undergone an editorial review process.

CQ Researcher provides thorough, current and well-researched reports on a variety of current issues in politics and the media.