Key Concepts           

Background Information

When analyzing your assignment, you will also want to consider the type, quantity, and format of information you will need. Answering the following questions may help you organize your research:

• Consider your information need
• Start with general information - often found in Encyclopedias
• Find the appropriate information and format - it may be books, magazine articles, encyclopedias or Web Resources
• What kind of assignment do you have to complete? ( 5 minute oral presentation, 10 page paper, 50 page paper)
• How much information do you need?
• Is currency important?
• What types of publications do you want to read? (newspaper articles, books, journal articles, diaries, trade publications, etc.)
• What formats do you need? (visual, audio, printed, electronic)
• Is point of view an issue?
• Do you need opinions?
• How much time do you have?

Click here to Practice what you have learned about finding background information.