Background information will tell you in general terms what is known about your topic. It includes things like definitions of your topic, names of people who are authorities in the field, movements or dates, important facts, etc. Background information will also help you understand the relationship of your topic to other subjects, find subcategories and issues within the subject, and locate terminology associated with your topic. Start by:
Take advantage of the bibliographies at the end of articles, chapters, etc. in these books. Write down any useful sources such as books, journals, magazines, etc.
(Modified with permission from Dixie State)
Search with Quick Search to see what's available on you topic
After you've identified some places to start searching, you can brainstorm words and ideas to enter into your search. There are certain words that can help you connect the ideas you have in a way that will give you different kinds of results. These connector words, that include AND, OR, and NOT, are called Boolean Operators. Refer to the diagram above to see how to use the words AND, OR, and NOT to help you with your searching.
The first thing you should ask yourself is who is interested in your topic and would write or research about it.
Try and think of all the subjects related to your topic. For example, if you are interested in mental toughness in mountain bikers, your associated subjects are sports and psychology.
Many professional organizations publish materials, like peer-reviewed academic journals, or newsletters.
Could there be a reason any other institutions are interested in your topic? For example, any government agencies, or non-profits, or independent research projects.