For example, look for information on students, rather than college students. Using truncation with search terms also broadens the search and increases the number of items you find. These sources will help you understand the broader context of your research and tell you in general terms what is known about your topic. They have comprehensive articles on specific issues as well as very useful bibliographies. Additional background information may be found in your lecture notes, textbooks, and reserve readings.
Bibliographies are lists of information sources.
The sources cited in the bibliography are an excellent starting points for further research. They appear at the end of most encyclopedia articles, dictionary entries, scholarly journal articles, and research reports, as well as in book form. Look up the sources you find in the bibliography in the Library Catalog and periodical indexes. Check the subject headings listed in the subject field of the online record for these books and articles. Then do subject searches using those subject headings to locate additional titles.