The BU Libraries have a number of online reference collections that will provide you with useful overviews of a topic. You can search any of the collections below by topic of keyword.
Cross-searchable library containing the full text and abstracts of classic and newly published Oxford books in the areas of biology, business and management, classical studies, economics and finance, history, law, linguistics, literature, mathematics, music, neuroscience, philosophy, physics, political science, psychology, public health and epidemiology, religion, and social work.
Entries from encyclopedias and handbooks can be excellent sources of background information on a topic. You can limit your search in BU Libraries Search to reference entries by clicking on Reference Entries on the right.