It's a good idea to start with some general sources in order to gain background information and to settle on a topic.
A great way to do this is by looking in a reference source. Reference sources such as encyclopedias (including Wikipedia), dictionaries, atlases, and general books can help you understand your topic by giving you definitions, stating key persons in that field, and providing lists of additional resources. Once you have a better understanding of your topic, it will be easier to put together search terms to find relevant materials. (Many instructors frown upon using Wikipedia to cite as a source because it can be edited by anyone and the content can continually change. However, it is a great place to start your research to become familiar with your topic, find additional resources, and learn the language of that topic.)
Below are some books that might provide some good background on an historical person or event.
The Great American History Fact-Finder : the who, what, where, when, and why of American history by 
The Columbia Guide to African American History Since 1939 by 
Don't Know Much about History: everything you need to know about American history but never learned by Having trouble choosing a topic? Explore a list of topics or discover some of the issues and controversies concerning possible topics by searching these library databases:
This link opens in a new windowJournals, magazines, and newspapers throughout history to the present. Includes information from government sites such as the Library of Congress and historical societies.
This link opens in a new windowAccess to high-quality, comprehensive information on a wide range of subjects. Includes Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary and Thesaurus, World Atlas, Compare Countries, and World Data Analyst.
You can access library resources from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. Simply login when prompted with your Butte College email and password. If you are having issues logging in, please contact the reference desk at 530-879-4024 or referenceli@butte.edu.
