General Background Sources
Reference sources, sometimes tertiary sources, are great for background information. This is especially helpful when you are getting started and have the following information needs:
- getting the big picture
- generating key words (subject terms, words, phrases, people, events, etc.)
- establishing common knowledge
- confirming basic facts
- identifying additional resources (these are sometimes referred to as primary and secondary sources)
For example, standard encyclopedias and trusted online encyclopedia like content are great for this general background research. Listed here are some resources selected based on the group topics.
Note: these resources are starting points and should not be the only resources used for your research, analysis and synthesis.
Reference Sources
You are likely already using several quick reference tools and other sources that provide background information. For example, Investopedia.com and Wikipedia. Here are few others you might find useful.
- The World Factbook - CIAThe CIA World Factbook provides general information about specific countries in the world, including sections on geography, demographics, economics, communications, transportation, military and transnational issues.
- U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets - U.S. State DepartmentThe U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets, also known as the Background Notes. The briefs are created and distributed by the U.S. State Department. Content usually includes basic facts about the land, people, history, government, political conditions, economy, and foreign relations of independent states, some dependencies, and areas of special sovereignty. The are updated as needed.
