Gather Background Information
Why should you start your research project by gathering background information? Because it will:
- Get you familiar with your topic
- Let you see the big picture
- Provide you with a focus for a specific area within the topic
- Identify different views on the topic
The reference resources listed on this page are great for getting an overview of your topic and will help you find keywords for your database searches.
Encyclopedias
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Encyclopedia of Library and Information Sciences This link opens in a new windowThe Encyclopedia of Library and Information Sciences, now in its fourth edition, compiles the contributions of major researchers and practitioners and explores the cultural institutions of more than 30 countries.
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Encyclopedia of Information Science and Technology, 4th EditionFind articles on current concepts, issues and emerging technologies.
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Encyclopedia of Cyber BehaviorA collection of articles on human behavior in the cyber realm. Includes topics such as social media, e-learning, e-voting, e-shopping, e-privacy, and e-therapy.
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Oxford Reference This link opens in a new windowOxford Reference allows you to search across over 100 reference titles simultaneously.
Dictionaries and Glossaries
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Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Information Technology and SystemsA guide to the vocabulary of information technology and systems.
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ODLIS, Online Dictionary for Library and Information ScienceODLIS includes not only the terminology of the various specializations within LIS but also the vocabulary of publishing, printing, binding, the book trade, graphic arts, book history, literature, bibliography, telecommunications, and computer science.
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Oxford English Dictionary Online This link opens in a new windowAn extremely comprehensive dictionary which provides the history of each word defined.
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Multilingual Glossary of Library TermsCommon library terms translated into Chinese, Korean, Japanese, French, Spanish, Arabic, and Vietnamese.