Background Information
As you start your research, ask yourself: What information do you already know about your topic? What information would be useful to know?
Encyclopedias and dictionaries are good sources to consult when you are at the beginning of your research and you are compiling the basics about your topic.
Also, search the catalog for books on your topic that can provide a detailed history of it. Books are extremely useful for getting started in your research & providing background knowledge to build on.
Use SURF to Find Books and Ebooks
If you're only looking for books, be sure you have that filter on when you look through results! Either screenshot below shows you where the filters are located on the SURF results page.
