Books cover virtually any topic, fact or fiction. For research purposes, you will probably be looking for books that synthesize all the information on one topic to support a particular argument or thesis. Libraries organize and store their book collections on shelves called "stacks." Electronic books, called e-books, may be purchased online or may be available for free from your library.

Use a Book

• when looking for comprehensive information on a topic
• to put your topic in context with other important issues
• to find historical information
• to find summaries of research
• to support an argument