The first step when beginning a project or assignment is to gather definitions, identify key concepts or ideas, and locate general information about your topic. The Western Library database, Credo Reference, is ideal for this task.
Credo Reference provides access to definitions and short articles from reference sources such as general encyclopedias, subject encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks, and more. It is a great place to find overviews and background information on almost any research topic.
Credo Reference is also a great way to learn the vocabulary unique to a given topic, learn about key people or organizations as well as important events, histories, and other information that will provide context for a project and help narrow the focus of the research. Link to related subjects/topics by clicking on the Key Concept buttons, or the links in the Mind Maps or Related Search options, to grow a list of search terms for future searches.
Use the Filter Menu at the top of the home page to narrow your search by type (including Pro-Con), Subject, Media, Date, and more,
Each individual page in this LibGuide contains a list of possible subject-specific search terms to get you started searching in Credo Reference.
Note: When you click on the link for Credo Reference you'll be asked to login with your Western ID.
