MC Library Research Guides: Computer Science and Technology: Develop a Topic

Find Background Information

Background information helps you learn about aspects of a topic that might interest you.

Complete your background research is with reference sources like subject encyclopedias, handbooks and dictionaries. They provide basic information and broad overviews of a wide variety of topics.

Take a few minutes to read broadly about your topic using the suggested sources listed below.

Search:

O'Reilly Online Learning This link opens in a new window
Full-text E-Books and videos on a broad range of subjects in the computer applications, computer sciences, and business fields. A valid MC email address is required to access these e-books: At login, please select "Institution not listed?" and then enter your MC email (MCusername@montgomerycollege.edu). You are not required to create an account on the O'Reilly platform, but if you do, you will need to use that email address and password for subsequent access. Community users please check at the library service desk for login information for in-library use.
AccessScience This link opens in a new window
An electronic version of the 9th edition of the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. It also includes Research Updates to trends and developments in science and technology, biographies of scientists, late breaking news, links to evaluated web sites, images and learning resources and study guides by topic.
Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
Online reference library with a wide selection of reference books. Search or browse by subject. These titles are also accessible through RaptorSearch.

Research Skills & Tips:

Step 1: Develop a Topic

The first step in a research project is choosing a topic. Begin your research with general background information. This will help you explore the topics of interest, develop research questions and search terms, and decide where to look for sources.

When you're ready, move to the next step: Find Sources.