This page discusses ways of finding background information before you embark on more focused research and when you need explanations of technical terminology as you do so.
This video tutorial for undergraduate use discusses the role of "background information" in library research. This was done for a summer institute about data. It makes some points that are relevant to any subject area.
Elsevier Reference Works (and books)
There are various ways to search this extensive collection:
OTHER REFERENCE WORKS
Some print reference resources in the reference area of Fairchild-Martindale Library that might prove useful in providing background information as you prepare your presentation are these: