Some general background sources: try these sources for background information on your topic

• Encyclopedia Britannica -- online version of this classic reference source
• Credo Reference -- over 360 reference books on a variety of topics, with unique searching tools such as visual searching
• Oxford Reference Online  -- reference source covering a broad range of topics
• In the links below check out quick facts for even more reference and background information sources

Articles found at the above resources will usually have a list of other sources with more in depth information on your topic