If you want to get some background information or an overview of your topic from different perspectives, use the following databases, which provide access to online encyclopedias and reference sources.
To find books on your topic:
When you search for books on your topic, your results will probably include both printed books that can be found in the library building, as well as electronic books that can be read online. You can tell which books are printed books because a location in the building is indicated as part of its record in OSCAR. E-books have no physical location indicated, and the words "Electronic Resource" usually appear immediately following the title of the book. Click on the title of the book to open its record in OSCAR; then click the link in the middle of the screen to read the book online.