LESSON 2 - Encyclopedias and Atlases
Encyclopedias
An encyclopedia is a classic source for general information. It is always a good place for background information to begin a research project, especially when you are unsure where to begin or know little about the area assigned. Check with your professor, however, as general encyclopedias may not be acceptable research sources. Let's go back to our research project on slavery in the U. S. You aren't sure what aspect to choose, so you do some initial reading about slavery in an encyclopedia and decide to focus on social conditions after slavery. Whether you use a web-based encyclopedia, such as Britannica Online, or a print encyclopedia such as Academic American, you are using a general information source to look for information about your topic.
The information found in encyclopedias is arranged in articles which focus on a specific topic. The encyclopedia is made up of thousands of articles covering a wide variety of subjects. The articles may have cross references to other related articles. The articles you read may include bibliographies or lists of other resources which may be consulted later. The articles may be signed, and since the authors are likely to include specialists or scholars in the subject, you now have another way to search for information on your topic by doing an author search. So your initial search starts you on a path. The best strategy for using reference books is always to use the index first.
If you really don't want to get dressed to go the library, you can begin your search at home by exploring some online encyclopedias. With electronic versions of encyclopedias, you have many additional ways of searching for information besides looking at the index. When you link to Britannica Online, you may notice how a traditional information source has evolved into a very different tool when accessed over the Internet. When you access the Britannica, browse the initial page to see what your choices are.
Let's search Britannica Online now.
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