Specialized encyclopedias focus on a specific subject area such as anthropology, art, computers, death and dying, environment, ethics, fantasy, geology, history, medicine, terrorism, propaganda...well, you get the idea.

This is the place to start your research! Find out about main concepts, issues, names, dates, terminology, and more.

Almanacs present data and statistics on business, economics, politics, geography, demographics, sports, litereature, education and other topics.

Some examples are The statisitical Abstract of the United States,The World Almanac and Book of Facts. Information tends to be presented in the form of graphs, charts, tables and other factual graphics that can be useful in support of your research arguments as well as helping you and your reader understand the topic.

Are there key movers and shakers involved in your research? Biographies contain information about the lives and accomplishments of individuals (living or dead) of diverse nationalities, races and professions.

Biographies are a rich and rewarding way to studey the history, culture and human side of any topic. Some examples are Men and Women of Science, Contemporary Photographers, Who's Who in America.

These sources range from simple outlines of plots to detailed philosophical, critical and analytical essays on individual stories, poems, literary themes and generas, and authors.

Did you ever wonder what Steinbeck's contemporaries thought about his work? Are you curious about symbolism in literature? Do you think that science fiction merits a place in classical literature? Are you writing a paper about an author or a poem?

Atlases are organized geographically. They present valuable data on countries, demographics, historical context, the environment, and social issues in the form of maps and charts and graphic compilations.

View a graph showing the literacy rate of women through out the world in the International Atlas of Women; Look at patterns of western expansion in the Atlas of the American West. Assess which countries are protecting their natural environments and more.

As you gather background information on your research topic, you will most likely encounter unfamiliar terms..Many topics require an understanding of specific terms and concepts. A subject dictionary focuses on one discipline or subject area.

Look up terms, identify related terms on a specific research topic. Become familiar with the lexicon of your subject area. Each term or keyword you can add to your list will yield useful information.

Handbooks and manuals contain information in specific subject
areas. Many will have charts, graphics and statistics.

Manuals such as the MLA Handbook provide how-to instructions in technical areas, whether it is about the writing of research papers or setting up a valid laboratory experiment.