Reference sources can provide background information about a subject or person, general information regarding a process, and/or definitions of terms or concepts. Types of reference sources include encyclopedias, dictionaries, indexes, almanacs, handbooks, statistical directories, biographical handbooks, chronologies, and other related materials. Reference sources acquaint you with unfamiliar topics by giving you:
OR
OR
Reference resources like encyclopedias, timelines, etc. are also on the open web. If you find one that looks useful, just be sure to evaluate it so you know the contents are authoritative.