Encyclopedias and other reference books are an excellent starting point for your research. They can provide background information and help you identify keywords to use when searching for books and articles.
To access databases from off campus, you will be prompted to log in with your Pipeline username and password.
The following tutorial examines how to identify, find, and use background information to help you choose and/or refine your topic (from off campus you will need to log in using your Pipeline username and password):