This document outlines a strategy that is designed for undergraduates who have been assigned a term paper or class presentation on a scientific, technical, or health-related topic. For each step in this strategy there is a list of suggested reference tools and instructions, however only one or two items from each section may be appropriate for your specific topic. If the topic changes, even slightly, during the research process, it is usually necessary to repeat the research steps using the terminology specific to that topic. An encyclopedia is often the best way to find background information or an overview of a subject. If the topic is unfamiliar to you or if a quick review is needed, an encyclopedia is the place to start.
General encyclopedias are multidisciplinary, i.e., they cover all subjects.
Specialized encyclopedias cover one specific subject in depth and usually contain longer articles and provide more detailed information than a general encyclopedia. Computerized encyclopedias are searched by keyword or subject heading. If your topic is not found, try using a broader, narrower, or related term. For example, if the phrase atomic power plants is not found try nuclear power plants . The best way to find a topic in a printed encyclopedia is to use the index.