Once you have identified the main topic and keywords for your research, find one or more sources of background information to read. These sources will help you understand the broader context of your research and tell you in general terms what is known about your topic. The most common background sources are encyclopedias and dictionaries from the reference collection.
Textbooks also provide background information.
The sources cited in the bibliography are good starting points for further research. Look up these sources in the SMC Library Catalog. Check the subject headings listed in the catalog for the books. Then use those subject headings to locate additional titles. Remember that many of the books and articles you find in the SMC Library Catalog and periodical indexes will themselves have bibliographies.