Reference resources - such as encyclopedias and dictionaries - can provide background info on your topic. Reading encyclopedias can also give you search terms to use in the library catalog and databases.
Find hard copy reference books in the library, and online reference resources right here on this page.
Reference books on a vast away of subjects are located in the Library's Reference room, 2nd floor of DLRC. Ask for help in finding what you need.
Using any of the eBook databases below, you can search your topics to find background information from one ore more reference resources:
Your instructor may allow certain reference sources to be cited, especially subject-specific ones - for example, an encyclopedia of art. However, best to ask before including it in your cited sources!