Background reading is an essential starting point to any research project. The purpose of background reading is to get an overview of your topic, and to begin to become acquainted with the key terms, names, and events associated with your topic.
Find and read an article in a subject-specific reference book or eReference database. The Berntsen Library collects reference books in both print and online formats. (*Note: Reference books are considered tertiary sources and are not typically referred to or cited in research papers.)
Use the eReference databases listed below to find background articles about your topic.
Credo reference delivers full-text entries as well as images, audio files and videos.
Pro vs. con essays that present multiple sides of current or controversial issues. Plus magazine and newspaper articles, primary sources, and more related to those issues.
The story of Christian music: From Gregorian chant to Black gospel : an authoritative illustrated guide to all the major traditions of music for worship by 
Historical dictionary of sacred music by 
Encyclopedia of American gospel music by 
The Oxford History of Christian worship by 
Worship music: A concise dictionary by 
Music and the arts in Christian worship by Dictionary of Western church music by Women composers and hymnists : a concise biographical dictionary by American hymns old and new : notes on the hymns and biographies of the authors and composers by