Background sources can be packaged many ways: textbooks, encyclopedias, dictionary, thesaurus, handbook, compendium, or can look like a digital resource, Wikipedia, or an AI chatbot summary. They help you build your base knowledge on a topic, familiarize with vocabulary and introduce the foundations of the field.
TIP: Skip to the end! Look for the works cited (bibliography) of the book, or footnotes at the bottom of the page. Use those to help you find the direct, original source.
The point to doing background research is to test your knowledge, brainstorm keywords and vocabulary, and apply them to your thesis, research, writing, analysis, or annotations.
"5 Reasons to Use Reference Sources" by U of G Library (2:41) is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
Trade publications are periodicals that provide general information about a variety of topics within an industry. Trade publications report on trends, important findings, analysis on important industry issues, commentary, and summaries of scholarly work. Trade publications are written by journalists, freelance writers, and content managers. The more reputable the editorial board or author, the more trustworthy the source.
The Economist
Gale Business Insights Handbooks of Social Media Marketing by
The Gale Business Insights Handbook Of Social Media Marketing examines the questions What is social media marketing and How can it be used in my business?| This volume focuses on building an internal business case for using social media, highlighting its importance, the benefits it can provide, and how to implement a successful strategy and measure its effectiveness. Entries examine such topics as the types of social media and their followers; how to increase discoverability; and how to define and protect your brand; legal challenges with social media, and more.|PIM|31-MAY-18|01
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3 Steps to Success: Business Plans That Get Investment by 
The Standout Business Plan by