G.R. Little Library: The Research Process: Find Background Information

Developing a Topic

1. Selecting a topic

2. Identify keywords

3. Finding background information

Start taking notes early! Record where you get all of your information, this will help when it comes to citations later.

Background information can be found in:

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.