Probably the first step to locating sources on a given topic is to get some background information on the topic. In a previous section on the Research Process, p. 16, preliminary research was mentioned to acquire some background on a topic, so that you are prepared to understand information presented in college-level sources. This is also important to refine a topic to a manageable research project.
Most reference sources, including encyclopedia are in two categories: general and subject specific. General encyclopedia have articles covering the complete “cycle of knowledge” of all disciplines, to provide a little knowledge on most topics. The most well-known encyclopedia are Encyclopaedia Britannica and World Book Encyclopedia. These well-respected encyclopedia are available in print and online editions, and available in most libraries. Subject specific encyclopedia usually provide more advanced information, specific to that subject or discipline, such as Grove’s Dictionary of Music, Grizmeck’s Animal Encyclopedia and the International Encyclopedia of the Stock Market. While these are also well-respected, they are recommended for preliminary research on an advanced level, or after extensive study has taken place.
To search online encyclopedia, access is usually available through a library’s web-page, and a patron’s access is available with a remote verification system. After login, simply enter the topic being searched and a list of relevant articles will appear, in order of relevance ranking. For each article, the title is provided, then the author (if available) and the volume/page number of the article in print. For each result, there is a couple lines from the text that demonstrates the level and style of coverage for the topic, in addition to verifying the meaning of the term.
There are groups of reference materials available as online collections such as the Gale Virtual Reference Library and Oxford Reference Online. These resources are made available as a collection by a publisher or collaboration of publishers. Each of these systems are accessed through a library’s webpage and patron status is verified through a login process, and a topic is entered in the search box. The list of results will include articles from the titles included in the online reference collection, and a link to the complete article.
Preliminary research is usually from tertiary sources, such as encyclopedia and textbooks to prepare for understanding the advanced sources that will come to the surface as the research develops. However, remember that these reference works are intended to help a researcher understand the sources used in research. The majority of information presented in your research should be from primary and secondary sources.
