A good encyclopedia can provide a researcher with valuable guidance in how to approach a previously unfamiliar subject. Often, an encyclopedia article will suggest additional approaches to research that previously might not have been apparent to a researcher. For example, careful reading of an encyclopedia article on Shakespeare might suggest to the reader that other researchers have questioned Shakespeare's authorship of numerous works traditionally attributed to him. The value of such information is that it provides a basic understanding of the man William Shakespeare, an overview of the historical era in which he wrote, a critical survey of his work, and an overview of lingering questions that still intrigue scholars. A researcher with little or no familiarity with Shakespeare would be able to gain at least a cursory understanding of scholarly thought about the poet and playwright, and then find ideas for further, more in-depth research.
Encyclopedias are excellent works to consult for a general working knowledge of a subject.
In addition to general encyclopedias like the Britannica and the Encyclopedia Americana, many subjects are covered by specialized encyclopedias. For example, topics of concern to educators are covered in the Encyclopedia of Educational Research. Articles in this reference work are well documented research articles written by professional educators for other educators. As with general encyclopedias, works such as the Encyclopedia of Educational Research are excellent starting points for investigating a research topic. Try the search in the WebWebLUIS Advanced Search screen.