Reference sources are a great way to start your research.

In this guide you will find handbooks that give you an overview over the subject of your interest alongside biographies that give you further details of the individuals involved.

Also included are dictionaries that allow you to understand how the meaning of words have changed over time. This is especially useful when establishing what words might be used in primary sources.

The information gathered through the reference sources can then be used to find additional material in books, journal articles and primary sources by breaking down your topic to identify keywords to use in your search. You can find more guidance on developing a search strategy and defining your keywords on the DP23000: Library Research Skills Moodle module.