Getting Started: Background Information
Background Information
To search effectively, you need to know a little about your topic and identify relevant keywords.
Start with your textbook and classnotes. As you do your research, you will learn more keywords. Keep a list of your keywords and citations.
These two resources are good for finding background information on health topics:
- Gale eBooks Links to an external site. (library database) Online Encyclopedias from the Library on topics such as Medicine, Mental Health, and Addiction.
- Medline Plus Links to an external site. (website) Sources from the National Library of Medicine on almost every topic. Sources are available in English and Spanish.
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: Health Topics Links to an external site. (website) Current information on disease spread, prevention, and treatment.
Reminder: You will need your Canvas login/password to access library collections.
Video Overview
Please watch the following 1-minute video that explains how brief background research can be used to help you:
- Understand the scope of your initial topic idea
- Identify areas of the topic that look particularly interesting to you
- Focus your topic
Additional viewing options: Turn on closed captions with the "CC" button, or use the text transcript Links to an external site. if you prefer to read.
"Background Research Links to an external site." by Steely Library NKU Links to an external site. is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 Links to an external site.