Background information includes general overviews of broad topics. Think people, places, things, events, and theories. If you're not sure what keywords to use in a library database, finding background information will help you learn more about a topic first and expand your search. Even Wikipedia can be a good starting place for background information. Need something more credible? Try some of the library's databases for background information.
When would I need to find background information? If you're working on a project where you're asked to include facts, you might look into an online encyclopedia or reference book. For example, you need to find information about where you can find a regional plant, its identifying characteristics, and images to include on your slides.
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Government sources include published reports and information on the web about demographics, social programs, policies, laws, and recommendations at a local, state, or national level. There is a government agency for almost every aspect of public life that manages access to resources like housing, food, transportation, employment, and healthy lifestyles. Researchers and administrators are often tasks with conducting research and publishing official report to inform the public.
When would I need to find government information? If you're working on a research project about a current or historical social issue, you might use a government research report to understand the issue and how it affects a population, like the USDA's "Characteristics and Influential Factors of Food Deserts."
Not sure which government agency works with your topic? Try a search in Google using site:.gov and add keywords to find webpages and reports with statistics.
This link opens in a new windowLaws, policies, and other legal documents are formal, official records that guide decisions or strategies to solve systemic problems. They are typically written by various branches of the government, but can come from other organizations like research institutes and think tanks.
When would I need to find laws and policies? If you're working on a research project about a social issue, you may need to cite basic language from court cases, policies, or regulations. For example, if you are working on a project about abortion, you might cite basic language from the Supreme Courts decision on Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973) or information about targeted regulation of abortion provider (TARP) laws.
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