Books and encyclopedias provide background information for an unfamiliar topic or person.

For example, you could search Books and Media using these keywords:

• "diversity in education"
• "multicultural education" childhood
• "educational change"
• "john dewey"
   

• Use a concept map to help you narrow your topic and focus in on a specific aspect of your research.  
• A concept map helps you construct a vocabulary, find key words on your topic, and form some questions you might like to answer about your topic for your assignment.

Here are a few of the encyclopedias available via the library:

• 21st Century Education:  A Reference Handbook
• Encyclopedia of Curriculum Studies
• Encyclopedia of Diversity in Education
• Encyclopedia of Educational Reform and Dissent
• Philosophy of Education:  An Encyclopedia