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Geography

Geography

Background Information

Before you can start any research on your topic, you must have a background knowledge of it. Books and websites can provide you with that knowledge.

This is important because:

  1. Background sources give you the language that people are using to discuss your topic. You will use this language when you start to search databases for scholarly articles and resources on the topic.
  2. This "pre-research" gives you a sense if your topic is focused enough. If your initial searches bring back so many results you can't even figure out what the language is, then you should consider narrowing your topic.

Background Databases

Find Books

IUCAT Button

IUCAT is Indiana University's online library catalog. Search it to find items held by the IU Libraries statewide, including books, recordings, US government publications, periodicals, and other types of material. You can access IUCAT from any computer connected to the Internet or at walk-up terminals located throughout the IU Library system.

IUCAT Quick Search:

Library: IU Indy University Library
  Herron Art Library
 

Dictionaries

Use specialized dictionaries to identify terms, clarify jargon and otherwise become familiar with the language of geography. 

Encyclopedias

Specialized subject encyclopedias provide an overview of a topic, familiarize the user with issues names and dates associated with it, and identify additional materials published on the topic, such as journal articles.