Subject Librarian
Valerie Vera
Contact:
Research and Instruction
Thomas Cooper Library
University of South Carolina
Thomas Cooper Library
University of South Carolina
803-777-1278
Website
Finding Background Information
Use these sources to gain familiarity with your topic, narrow your research question, provide context, and identify experts.
- Find It @ USC LibrariesSearch for articles, books, and more or limit to USC Libraries collection.
- International Encyclopedia of Geography This link opens in a new windowCovers concepts, research, and techniques in all areas of geography and interrelated fields.
- International Encyclopedia of the Social and Behavioral Sciences This link opens in a new windowThe largest reference work ever published on the social and behavioral sciences.
- Sage Reference Online This link opens in a new windowSubject encyclopedias and handbooks including coverage of human geography, physical geography, environmental sciences, and quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Choosing a Topic
Taking the time to carefully choose and refine your topic can save you significant time and effort later in your research.
- How to Choose a TopicThis short video tells you the questions to ask and describes the process of choosing a workable research question.