Encyclopedias, biographical dictionaries and other reference sources are great for getting background information about your topic. They can provide the basic information you need to start your research and often, a list of suggested readings. They provide:

•  well-known facts: definitions, major dates, key contributions.
• trustworthy and reliable, giving you the correct information you need for presentations and research reports.
• an excellent starting point. If you don't know very much about your topic, or you're just starting your research, begin with these reference books.