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 comprehensive and cover all subjects.
Specialized encyclopedias cover one specific subject in depth and usually contain longer articles and provide more information than a general encyclopedia. The best way to find a topic in a printed encyclopedia is to use the index. A multi-volume encyclopedia will typically contain the index in the last volume, whereas a single volume encyclopedia should have the index in the back. Computerized encyclopedias are searched by keyword or subject heading. If your topic is not found, try using a broader, narrower, or related term.