ENGL 235 Introduction to Technical Communication (Frazier)

Find Topic Overviews and Background Information

Academic Encyclopedias and Reference

You might find it useful to provide some general information for context. 

What should you type into the database? 

Use broad keywords to find general and background information.

That can help you understand your specific worksite or type of worksite. It can also provide insight into effective and equitable workplaces.  

Sample Search in Gale eBooks: Veterans AND college

Many of the articles were not helpful, but I found some, including an article titled the GI Bill that gave an overview of the goals and scope of the program.

Click on image to enlarge

GI Bill

Why Reference?

Why start with academic encyclopedias?

  • To gather background information that provides context, history and insight into your subject.

  • To get a sense of key issues, concepts, and debates from sources that don't take a stand on the debates.

  • To gather key words and terminology you can use to search for relevant source material on the subject.

Learn about the broad topic first. Then you will understand where to focus your research and discussion more deeply.