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:
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Encyclopedia entries from McGraw-Hill's Encyclopedia of Science & Technology. Also includes biographies of well-known scientific figures, downloadable images, videos and animations illustrating key topics. Coverage: Latest edition.
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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.
This link opens in a new windowEncyclopedia and dictionary entries for most subject areas. Dates covered: latest edition of each title.
This link opens in a new windowCollection of newspaper, magazine and scholarly/peer-reviewed articles, primary sources, images and videos, and encyclopedia entries for science issues, topics and current events. Includes chemistry, earth and environmental science, health and medicine, life science, physics and astronomy, technology, mathematics, science history and biography. Coverage: varies.
This link opens in a new windowEncyclopedia entries, diagrams, biographies, timelines and definitions for science subjects. Coverage: varies.