After you have defined your topic, the next step is to research general information about it. Subject encyclopedias are a good place to begin. Here are a couple of approaches for finding subject specific encyclopedias:

Exercises:

1. In Quest, in the Keyword Search box, to find encyclopedias on sports, type "sports encyclopedias". Print out one record.
2. From the Libraries Homepage select the Help by Subject link. From the help page of your general subject area, choose a research guide that lists resources for your major and find a few encyclopedia titles. Note down two titles.

Note the following features about information found in encyclopedias:

• Experts write the articles and are often identified as the authors.
• The articles will explain technical terms.
• There is likely to be a bibliography at the end of the article. The bibliography will consist of a list of books and articles that are related to the topic of the article.

Additionally, background information may be found in Introductions, Overviews, Chronologies, and other resources. Research Guides created by librarians specializing in subject areas provide lists of encyclopedias and other resources that cover topics for subjects.

Note: Remember to look at your notes, textbooks, and reserve readings for suggested resources.