Gathering background information from a variety of sources can help out in a number of ways:
Encyclopedias are a great source for background information! Here is a sample of titles that are available in the library's physical and online reference collection.
Encyclopedia of the History of Astronomy and Astrophysics by 
Books and ebooks can be found using One Search, the Library's search tool. Try searching for your topic in the search box.
Books that are available for check out are located on the 2nd floor of the Library. Reference books are located on the first floor by the Reference Desk.
Choosing to search a specific eBook database will give you different filtering options that can help you narrow your search. You will also have less unrelated information to sort through.
Formally called "Gale Virtual Reference Library." Ebooks, subject-specific encyclopedias, biographies, and contemporary topics organized into a variety of subjects including business, education, environment, medicine, mythology, science, and technology. Easy to search. Citations provided.
Reference eBooks covering topics in literature, history, science and health, biographies, careers. Several subject-specific encyclopedias included. Citations provided.
A vast collection of online books covering a wide range of topics including children’s and adult fiction, non-fiction, biographies, business, computer science, cooking, crafts, education, engineering, humor, law, literature and criticism, law, mathematics, philosophy, psychology, religion, science, self-help, social sciences, sports and games, study aids, language learning, travel, true crime. Citations provided.
NASA and American Space Exploration by 
Quantum gravity and cosmology based on conformal field theory by 
