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Health Sciences - Basic Library Research

Where to start for library research in medicine, health, public health, nursing, and other health-related topics.

What is background information and what is it good for?

Background information is anything that it is assumed that you know before reading material or doing an activity. There might be very little background information you would need for your first class in a subject, but material you learn in early classes is assumed to be background information for later classes. Common types of background material include vocabulary and basic concepts, and are usually included in reference books, like dictionaries, encyclopedias, guides, and handbooks.

Dictionaries and Encyclopedias