Background sources are especially useful when you are just starting your research, but they can also help you throughout the process. These types of sources can provide a brief summary of a topic, explain important theories, define commonly used terms, and provide biographical information on important people in the field.
Research Tip: Search for broad-scope topics, theories, terms, or people in these types of sources. For example:
Full-text detailed reports on controversial social, economic, political, educational, health, environmental, technology, and current topics. Each report includes an abstract, overview, background summary, current situation, outlook, special focus, chronology, pro/con, and bibliography.
Database of encyclopedias and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research. Provides searchable full-text e-book versions of over 3,500 reference works, including multi-volume encyclopedias, biographical collections, business plan handbooks, company history compilations, consumer health references, and specialized handbooks, dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc. in a wide range of subject areas.
The Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History
by
Bonnie G. Smith (Editor)
Feminism Without Borders: Decolonizing Theory, Practicing Solidarity
by
Chandra Talpade Mohanty
Postfeminism: Cultural Texts and Theories
by
Stephanie Genz; Benjamin A. Brabon
This site is maintained by Pollak Library.
To report problems or comments with this site, please contact
libraryanswers@fullerton.edu.
© California State University, Fullerton. All Rights Reserved.
CSUF is committed to ensuring equal accessibility to our users. Let us know about any accessibility
problems you encounter using this website.
We'll do our best to improve things and get you the information you need.
CSUF events are open to all who are interested or would like to participate, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected statuses.