Why background Information?
Finding basic information about your topic helps you to understand the broader context of your research. This is particularly important at the beginning of your research if you are unfarmliar with your topic or uncertain how to narrow the focus of the subject.
Background information can supply:
- Broad overview
- Main concepts
- Major dates and events
- Definitions of terms associated with the topic
- Names of people who are authorities in the subject field
- Keywords and subject-specific vocabulary terms that can be used for database searches
- Bibliographies that lead to additional resources
Types of resouces for background information : Encyclopedias, Guides, Handbooks, Manuals, etc.
Sample Background Sources
Encyclopedia of Race and Crime by Call Number: JFM Folio HV6789. E43 2009ISBN: 1412950856Publication Date: 2009-04-14
A sampling of print references you would find looking in the online catalog for the subject ? To find additional titles, use the Worldcat Discovery.
Crime and Law Enforcement Issues by ISBN: 9781611228779Publication Date: 2011-11-01This book presents and discusses information in the study of criminal justice and law enforcement. Topics discussed include capital punishment; juvenile justice; the use of DNA in cold cases; statutes of limitation in federal criminal cases; the illicit drug market in Taiwan and leadership in police organisations.
