Background research is essential for understanding concepts, terms, events, places and people who shape your topic. This knowledge base needs to be built *BEFORE* you start your formal research. Use this information to broaden or narrow your topic, formulate research questions, and build keywords.
Use encyclopedias and database articles to help fill in your background knowledge of your topic.
To find encyclopedias and database options go to the Library page on your school's website (under Resources).
Use these ABCs as a guide to critically evaluate information on the Web.
Authority
Who or what organization is publishing the content? Do they have the knowledge and expertise to publish information about this topic? Look in the About Us or Contact section of a site.
Bias/Purpose
Is this a commercial site that is trying to sell a service or a product? Does there appear to be a bias in how information is presented? Are there multiple points-of-view analyzed and expressed?
Content
Is the information correct? Read background information about your topic from a reputable source such as a database first and look for multiple sources.
Currency
Is there a publication or update date attached to the article or site? Look at the end of an entry or the bottom of a page.
Teaching Students How to Research
Always evaluate websites for information quality and reliability because anyone with a bit of knowledge about computers and the Internet can put information on the World Wide Web.
Research for school is different from personal research because academic research requires current, correct, and well-documented information written by institutions/people who are authorities on their subjects.
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ARTWORK
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BLOG An online source read through a Web browser, composed of dated posts. |
BOOKS "Printed" work of fiction or nonfiction, usually on paper bound within covers -- may be electronic |
IMAGES Including graphs and charts: a visual image such as a chart or diagram used to represent information or data. |
INTERVIEWS Speaking to an expert with specific questions to gain primary source information. |
MAGAZINES *may be available via databases |
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NEWSPAPERS *may be available via databases |
PAMPHLETS May be posted online or obtained physically from local organizations. Succinct...often have referrals for local experts. |
REFERENCE
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VIDEO/AUDIO May be clips or a full work. Must be evaluted and cited like any other source of information regardless of where or how it is obtained. |
WEBSITES An online source viewed thru a Web browser as a stand-alone page or collection of pages. Content may change so note the date of use. |
Painting, photograph, object, etc. you can see in a museum or public space or online.
Online* or print. May contain articles, interviews, reviews, analysis, etc. A.K.A. "periodicals" 
Online* or print. Contain local news, photos, investigative reports, advertisements, and editorials.
Resources organized to provide quick access to facts, statistics, overview of subject matter, definitions, etc.
