Getting Background or Overviews of Information on a Topic
Get some backgound or surveys of information on your topic to give you the "big picture." Ask a Librarian to show you helpful subject-related books on your topic---
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or suggest one or more of our research databases, such as
- Gale Virtual Reference Library
The Library's Wikipedia! Authoritative encyclopedias for background information on numerous subjects.
- CQ Researcher
Created by Congress, well-researched reports that look at all sides of an issue. Great place to find the questions an issue might raise.
- Facts on File: Issues and Controversies
Reports, background information, articles, and more all related to current controversial issues.
- Gale Opposing ViewPoints in Context
Viewpoints, articles, and statistics about numerous contemporary issues
Remember, to access these databases from off-campus,
Students: enter your myFCC Username and Password when prompted.
Your Default myFCC Username is the letter W plus your student ID number. (Example: W1234567)
If you haven't changed your password, your Default Password is the first two letters of your last name plus the last five digits of your student ID number (Example: sm34567).
Faculty/Staff: Use your Network Username and Password. when prompted.
Using Wikipedia for Basic Background Information in Academic Research
Your instructor likely doesn't want you to rely only on Wikipedia for background information or overviews of a topic. However, there are some useful, acceptable ways to use Wikipedia for your research.
This video explains the fundamentals. To see the full screen clearly, run your cursor along the bottom of the video screen and click on the 
symbol.
© 2012 clipinfolit