How to Find Background Information

Libraries have both print and online collections of background information in encyclopedias and other reference sources.

Print Reference Sources

We can search the print collection through Highline College Library's One Search Links to an external site. (a search tool that allows us to search multiple databases at one time). A good way to find reference books is to search for a general keyword in One Search, and then on the results screen, use the left menu to narrow the results by clicking on Reference Entries under the Material Type section, as shown in the image below. 

Or we can browse the print reference collection. Browsing is effective since the print reference collection is relatively small, and browsing enables us to instantly see most titles on a chosen subject. The reference collection is located near the Reference Desk on the main floor of the library, and librarians are always happy to help locate a resource.

Online Reference Sources

The Highline College Library also has a database containing a collection of online subject encyclopedias called Gale Virtual Reference Library. Online subject encyclopedias are a good place to begin since we have more of them and they will be more up-to-date than many of the print subject encyclopedias. When searching for information within subject encyclopedias or a database like Gale Virtual Reference Library, we start with a more general term. Remember, we're looking for background information, like an overview on a topic.

In the example below, when searching for information about the Sikh religion (Sikhism), we found 90 results, the first two of which are shown in this image. Notice that we can find different types of subject encyclopedias that have information on our topic, so we will get multiple aspects and perspectives.

1. The first article titled Sikhism comes from the Encyclopedia of Sex and Gender, and it's 2 pages long. In this article, we're likely to find information about how women's and men's roles in the Sikh religion differ from each other.
2. The second article, also titled Sikhism, comes from the Encyclopedia of Religion and is 6 pages long. In this article, we're likely to find a general overview of the Sikh religion.

There are other ways to find online reference information, so contact your friendly Highline College Librarians for more assistance.