Once you have identified some keywords, the next step is to find background information on your topic. Background research:

• Provides a good overview of the topic if you are unfamiliar with it.

• Helps identify important facts -- terminology, dates, events, history, organizations, etc.

• Can help refine your topic.

• Leads to bibliographies which provide additional sources of information.

Background information can be found in:

• textbooks

• dictionaries

• general encyclopedias

• subject-specific encyclopedias

• article databases