ENGL 102: Beal, P. (Fall 2025): Finding Background Sources
Getting started with your research in ENGL 102
Getting Started with your Research in ENGL 102
This quarter in English 102, you will write a 6–8-page paper in APA style about climate change or a sustainability problem or issue. If you already have an issue in mind that you would like to explore, a great place to start your research is with background sources, such as encyclopedia articles, to get a brief overview of your topic. These sources can also help you with narrowing down a broad topic. If you do not yet have a topic in mind, they can also help you to brainstorm topic ideas. Find links to the best library databases to start your background research below!
Library databases for background information
Why Use Background Sources?
Background sources can give you a concise, general overview of a research topic and can point you to more specific research. They can also help you identify relevant names, places, ideas, and dates to use as search terms. In addition, they can help you to brainstorm ideas for narrowing a very broad topic to a point of interest.
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Gale eBooks This link opens in a new window
Digitized reference works, covering many disciplines. Very useful for background information on a topic. -
Points of View Reference Source This link opens in a new window
Articles on 400 topics, each with an overview and an argument, and many with opposing arguments. Also includes primary sources. This is a great database for topic brainstorming!
Search for books and e-books for more in-depth background information
Why Use Books in Your Research?
The Library owns many print books and has access to electronic books (e-books) on your topic. Books are good for providing more in-depth background information or putting the issue in context -- but be sure to check how current the information is.
TIP: Don't read the ENTIRE book, just the chapters and pages that are relevant to your topic. Use the table of contents or the index at the back of the book to help you find relevant chapters or pages.
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Library Catalog This link opens in a new window
Find items on the TCC library's shelves, as well as digital books from our ebook collections.
Search Tips
- Type in your keywords in the search box and click the "Search" button
- Take note of the format of the results. You can narrow down to print books or e-books by clicking one of the boxes.
- Take note of the publication date range. You can narrow down results to a specific data range.
- Click the title of the book for more detailed info
- Take note of the format of the book. An e-book will have an "E" icon; a print book will have a book icon.
- If it's an e-book, then you can click the "Electronic access" link to read the book online.
- You can also text any book record to yourself.
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