Answer:
Use this guide to help you make a decision about which information source is best. If you are deciding on a topic or need background information on a topic, start with an encyclopedia. If you want in-depth coverage of a topic, look for a book. If you are looking for current thinking about a topic, try a magazine or newspaper.
If you are ready to do intense research on a narrow or specific subject, select peer-reviewed articles from academic journals in the databases.
Encyclopedias
Collections of brief, factual articles on various topics. Great starting point for research to gather background information about your topic.
Usually organized alphabetically by topic.
Writers are experts in their field, but this is NOT scholarly information.
Two types of encyclopedias:
General - Covers all topics
Example:
Encyclopedia Brittanica
Columbia Encyclopedia
Subject - Focuses on one field or topic such as Religion. Best bet for college-level background research.
Example
Encyclopedia of African-American Culture and History
Encyclopedia of Bioethics
