Answered By: Katie Beth Ryan
Last Updated: Aug 29, 2025     Views: 280

"Presearch" articles - also known as background or reference sources - can be found in several VSCS Libraries databases. 

You can find several databases that provide "presearch" articles and information by clicking the "Background Information" link under "More Source Types" on the library homepage.

screenshot of "Background Information" link under "More Source Types" on the library homepage

When searching in any library database, it's best to search using broad keywords, instead of typing in your entire topic or question. For example, if you wanted to research the topic of inclusion of students with developmental delays in mainstream classrooms, you might do a search for developmental delay AND inclusion. 

Below is an example from the CREDO Reference database. Reference and background sources often include terms like "reference," "encyclopedia," "almanac," etc., in their titles. 

Credo Reference search for "developmental delay" and inclusion is outlined in a red rectangle. The words "Reference" and "Encyclopedia" are underlined in red.