Background sources such as, but not limited to, dictionaries and encyclopedias provide context for your topic or even help you choose one. Researchers use them when they need:
A brief overview of a topic
Definitions of terminology
Important issues, figures, dates, and/or events for a topic
Sources for further research in the form of bibliographies
Encyclopedia, dictionary and biographical entries from hundreds of sources for most subject areas. It includes images, diagrams, maps and photos, and audio pronunciation files and sound clips. Coverage 2000 – present.
Encyclopedia entries, primary documents, multi-media and maps for 26 different cultures from ancient Greeks and Romans to Chaucer's England and Colonial America. Coverage: Ancient world – present.
Collection of encyclopedia articles, biographies, facts & figures, media. photos & illustrations, political cartoons, posters on popular culture. Also includes primary sources including documents, speeches, letters, political, government & court documents and cultural artifacts. Coverage: 1900 – present.