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Step 2: getting background information

After you have chosen a topic, you will need to find some general background information on it. Background information is important because:

  • It introduces you to a topic.
  • It may provide some of the terminology unique to a given topic, as well as providing important names, dates, places, and/or issues related to your topic.
  • There may be a bibliography included as part of the background information and you may be able to use the sources listed in that bibliography as a jumping off point for your research.

Good places to look for background information are:

  • Subject Encyclopedias*
  • Subject Dictionaries*
  • Textbooks

Use the keywords you came up with to start your search for background information. Look up your keywords in the index volumes to encyclopedias.

*Encyclopedias and dictionaries can be general, like World Book or Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, or they can be subject-specific, like The Encyclopedia of Sleeping and Dreaming or The International Dictionary of Films and Filmmakers. They may not even have the word "dictionary" or "encyclopedia" in their titles, using, instead, words like "guide to" or "companion."

Go on to Finding Books


Research paper scheduler

Newman Library spring hours

Sun: open 9:00am
Mon-Thu: open 24 hours*
Fri: close 8:00pm
Sat: 9:00am - 8:00pm

*During 24 hour operation, a valid Hokie Passport is required to access or remain in the library between 12 midnight and 7:30am.

Current semester hours

Art + Architecture Library spring hours

Sun: 2:00pm - 11:00pm
Mon-Thu: 8:00am - 11:00pm
Fri: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Sat: 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Current semester hours

NVC Resource Center spring hours

Sun: Closed
Mon-Thu: 11:00am - 10:00pm
Fri: 11:00am - 7:00pm
Sat: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Current semester hours

Veterinary Medicine Library spring hours

Sun: 11:00am - 11:00pm
Mon-Thu: 7:30am - 11:00pm
Fri: 7:30am - 6:00pm
Sat: 9:00am - 6:00pm

Current semester hours

Newman Library guided tour options

Spring tour schedule

Tours are offered six times a week, Tuesdays through Thursdays, at 11:30am and 5:00pm, from January 24 to April 26, except during Spring Break.

No pre-registration is required. Meet a tour guide at the main entrance near the benches.