Once you have focused your topic and gathered some background information, you are ready to gather secondary information.

If you're looking for articles, newspaper articles, or subject databases, try our Find Articles page!

If you need help identifying other sources, Ask a Librarian.

Are you overwhelmed with how much information you are finding?  Try the suggestions below:

• Develop a tentative focus  
  List what you already know and questions you have about the topic and focus on those you find most interesting.

• Find background information on your topic   
  Check our Online Reference Collection for an article in an online encyclopedia you can trust.  

• Look for magazine articles  
  Magazine articles tend to be shorter and can provide a general idea of key issues or controversies related to your topic. Try:
  • Academic Search Complete
  • Academic OneFile

• Search CQ Researcher 
  This is a great source for finding background information and overviews of a wide array of topics.

• Choose a particular perspective on the issue 
  How do scholars from different subject fields approach your topic? Finding different points of view can provide you with a better sense of direction. Look through our subject-specific databases listed on the Find Articles page like: 
  • Education Full Text (EBSCO)
  • Worldwide Political Science Abstracts (ProQuest)
  • PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

• Limit your search to a specific time period  
  • Look for date limit options when searching a database.

• Need more help? Ask a Librarian for assistance.