Information Literacy Learning Guides

Key Concepts & Practice

Background Information

Consider your Topic - What is Your Information Need?    

Choosing a topic may be the biggest hurdle in doing research. Before you begin research make a list of dates, people, events, concepts, and keywords related to your subject. Background information can often be found in the following print reference sources:

• Almanacs/Yearbooks are a collection of basic information usually updated annually. The World Almanac is a good example.
• Encyclopedias provides background information on all subject. Encyclopedia Britannica online is a good example.
• Dictionaries come in all forms including the language dictionaries such as Webster's Dictionary and special dictionaries such as the Dictionary of Black History.
• Statistical Sources such as Statistical Abstract of the United States provides mostly numerical data.
  

Types of Information

Locating appropriate and valid information for your research needs can be confusing and challenging. There are several sources and forms to choose from when searching for information. You can check Selecting Information to see the advantages and disadvantages to the different formats.

The following guides will assist you in searching for information in different forms.