You probably already know a little something about the topic you chose, but it's important to find out more in order to write an intelligent research paper and/or make a good argument.
Ask yourself:
Reference resources help you find out more!
Library Research Guides lead you to the best resources to use when searching for information on your topic.
Always check to see if there's a Research Guide on your topic.
• Look up your keywords in the indexes to subject encyclopedias.
• Read articles in these encyclopedias to set the context for your research.
• Note relevant items in the bibliographies at the end of the encyclopedia articles.
• Additional background information may be found in your lecture notes, textbooks, and reserve readings.
Here are a few library resources to help you gather background information for your topic:
Gale eBooks is a database that contains many good academic reference sources. Some of these sources are medical encyclopedias. If you want basic information on a topic (like sleep) or a condition (like heartburn) this would be a good place to start. An article on a medical condition like heartburn will include a section on treatment and that section will often include names of drugs or herbal remedies used to treat the condition.